Order putting sedition law on hold to continue: Supreme Court
An interim order putting on hold the contentious sedition law and the consequential registration of FIRs will continue to be operational as the Supreme Court granted additional time to the Centre on Monday to take “appropriate steps” with regard to the reviewing of the colonial-era provision.
A bench of Chief Justice Uday Umesh Lalit and justices S Ravindra Bhat and Bela M Trivedi was told by Attorney General R Venkataramani that some more time be granted to the Centre as “something may happen in the winter session of Parliament”.
The topmost law officer said the issue has been under consideration of the authorities concerned and moreover, there is “no reason to worry” in view of the May 11 interim order, which put the use of the provision on hold.
“R Venkataramani, the attorney general, submits that in terms of the directions issued by this court in order dated May 11, 2022, the matter is still engaging the attention of the relevant authorities. He submits that some additional time be granted so that appropriate steps can be taken by the government.
“In view of the interim directions issued by this court…dated May 11, 2022, every interest and concern stand protected and as such there would be no prejudice to anyone. At his request, we adjourn the matter to the second week of January 2023,” the bench said.