Re-examination of sedition law in motion, consultations in final stage, Govt informs SC

The government in the Supreme Court on May 1 said it has initiated the “process of re-examination” of Section 124A (sedition) of the Indian Penal Code and consultations are in its “final stage”.

The government in the Supreme Court on May 1 said it has initiated the "process of re-examination" of Section 124A (sedition) of the Indian Penal Code and consultations are in its "final stage".

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Appearing before a Bench led by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, Attorney General R Venkataramani said the government is "very keen".

He indicated that a "final shape" may be given to the exercise ahead of the next Parliament session.

The court recorded Mr. Venkataramani's submission that the consultations on the colonial-era Law were at a "substantially advanced stage". It posted the case for hearing next in the second week of August 2023.

In May last year, the court, in an interim order, had suspended the use of Section 124A, stalling pending criminal trials and court proceedings under Section 124A across the country.

However, in October 2022, the petitioners had alleged in the apex court that arrests and prosecutions under Section 124A were continuing despite the freeze.