SC stays use of sedition law until review
The Supreme Court on May 11, stayed the use of the sedition law and directed the Centre and states to not register any fresh FIRs invoking sedition charges until the law is reviewed. In the pending sedition cases, the Supreme Court said those languishing in jail under sedition charges can approach the courts and seek bail.
“We expect that till re-examination of this law is complete it will not be used,” the CJI NV Ramana-led Bench of the Supreme Court said. The court said, “Those already booked under Section 124A IPC and are in jail could approach competent courts for appropriate relief and bail.”
The Supreme Court said, “It is clear that the Centre agrees that the rigours of Section 124A is not in tune with the current situation and it was intended for the time when the country was under colonial law. Thus, the Centre may reconsider it.”
Sedition is dealt with by the law under Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code.