‘No ground to invoke sedition against Ranas’

MUMBAI: MP Navneet Rana and her MLA husband Ravi Rana have “undoubtedly crossed the line of freedom of speech”, but mere expression of derogatory or objectionable words may not be a sufficient ground for invoking the charge of sedition against them, a special court said.

It also said that the couple’s announcement to recite Hanuman Chalisa outside Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray’s house here did not have the intention of “subverting the government by violent means’’, and although their statements are “blameworthy” they cannot be stretched too far to be brought under sedition charges.

Special court judge RN Rokade made these observations while granting bail to the couple. The court held that prima facie at this stage the charge under IPC section 124a (sedition) was not made out against the couple.

The court noted that it is well-settled that section 124A cannot be invoked to penalise criticism of persons for the time being engaged in carrying on administration or strong words used to express disapprobation of the measures of government with a view to their improvement or alteration by lawful means. Similarly, comments, however strongly-worded, expressing disapprobation of actions of the government, without exciting those feelings which generate the inclination to cause public disorder by acts of violence, would not be penal.

On the transcripts of the speech submitted by the prosecution, the court said, “Prima facie, it appears that the applicants have used certain expressions and sentences against the chief minister, which are extremely objectionable.”

Politicians play an important role in facilitating peace. Their vitality is appreciated because they have followers who believe in what they say, it said.

The court added that it may be noted that neither the applicants called anyone to bear arms nor any violence was incited in general as a result of their speech.