Sedition law is needed for sake of nation: A-G

THE THREE-JUDGE BENCH ALSO DELIBERATED ON REFERRING THE PETITIONS CHALLENGING SECTION 124A (SEDITION LAW) OF THE IPC TO A LARGER BENCH

NEW DELHI: The penal provision of sedition in India must be retained to ascertain the security of the nation and its citizens, attorney general (A-G) KK Venugopal submitted before the Supreme Court on Thursday, adding that some guidelines may be laid down by the court to control the misuse of the statutory provision.

Presenting a strong defence of the constitutional validity of Section 124A (sedition) in the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the top law officer told a bench, led by Chief Justice of India NV Ramana, that the contours of the penal provision have already been delineated by a constitution bench in 1962 and therefore, there is no need to take a relook at the provision.

Venugopal, however, submitted that he is simply assisting the court in the matter, and that the stand of the central government, which is to be conveyed through the solicitor general (S-G) , could be different from his views.

“According to me, Kedar Nath (the Constitution bench judgment of 1962) is a very balanced judgment between security of state and freedom of speech. This section (124A) has to be retained. I am saying some guidelines can still be issued. What’s happening in this country? Yesterday, someone was released on bail after getting arrested since they wanted to recite Hanuman Chalisa,” the A-G told the bench, also comprising justices Surya Kant and Hima Kohli.

Venugopal was referring to the bail granted to Amravati MP Navneet Rana and her husband MLA Ravi Rana on Wednesday. The couple was arrested by Mumbai Police on April 23 for alleged offences of sedition and breach of harmony following