NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has asked the Central Government whether a case of treason cannot be avoided till the revision of Section 124A in this regard is completed. It is necessary to know the position of the present cases and the forthcoming cases. He also directed the government to reply today. The court also expressed concern over the abuse of the current law.
The Union Home Ministry had yesterday said it was ready to review Section 124A. Until then, it was requested that the consideration of petitions questioning the constitutional validity of this section should be adjourned. Chief Justice N.V. The bench headed by Ramana agreed in principle. At the same time, Justice Suryakant, a member of the bench, asked whether it was not possible to direct the states not to file cases under the treason law till the review is completed. Another member, Justice Hima Koli, agreed.
Solicitor General Thushar Mehta, appearing for the Central Government, said it was the first time in history that a court had ruled that a section of the Indian Penal Code should not be used. The Chief Justice responded that this was not the case with all laws and referred to 124A. The Chief Justice also recalled the Prime Minister’s dream of avoiding colonial law. Justice Suryakant pointed out that there are other laws to deal with in case of serious situations and law enforcers should not be helpless. However, the Solicitor General has not been able to provide a clear answer to any of these questions, so he has been given time to respond.
People cannot be imprisoned for months
Chief Justice: Did the Solicitor General himself raise the issue of filing a case against Hanuman Chalisa even yesterday? How is protection going to be ensured?
Solicitor General: If the law is abused, there is a constitutional remedy for it.
Chief Justice: Not everyone can afford to go to court and spend months in jail. The government should take seriously the abuse of the law; The solution must be found.
Simply saying is not enough
‘It was not because he said the law was being reviewed. The police consider such issues and file cases. Therefore, there is no other option but to direct that the sedition law should not be imposed until the government takes a decision. ‘ – Supreme Court
English Summary: Hold Sedition Law Till Review? Supreme Court Wants Centre’s Reply Tomorrow