New Delhi: The central government has sought time from the Supreme Court to file its reply on the petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the colonial-era penal law on sedition.
A bench of Chief Justice NV Ramana, Justice Surya Kant, and Justice Hima Kohli on April 27 told the Center The government was directed to file a reply. It had also said that it would start the final hearing in the matter on May 5 and would not consider any request for adjournment.
In an application filed before the court, the Center said that the draft affidavit is ready and it is awaiting confirmation from the competent authority. Will lead the arguments on behalf of the petitioner against the validity of Section 124A (sedition) of the Code.
Concerned over the misuse of the penal law relating to sedition, the apex court had in July last year asked the central government why it was not repealing a provision that was used by the British to suppress the freedom movement and silence people like Mahatma Gandhi. Went.
Agreeing to examine the petitions of the Editors Guild of India and former Major-General SG Wombatkere challenging the constitutional validity of Section 124A (sedition) of the IPC, the top court had said that its main concern was the misuse of law which has led to cases. the number is increasing.
While issuing notices on the petitions in July last year, the apex court had noted the alleged misuse of the provision. The Chief Justice had said, ‘It is a colonial law. This was to suppress the freedom movement. This law was used by the British to silence Mahatma Gandhi, Tilak, etc. Is it necessary even after 75 years of independence?’ Other petitioners include former Union minister Arun Shourie, journalist Kishorchandra Wangkhemcha from Manipur, and Kanhaiya Lal Shukla from Chhattisgarh.
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Also, read – https://indianlawinfo.in/bombay-hc-rejected-petition-filed-by-eight-accused-in-bhima-koregaon-caste-violence-case/
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