WHETHER SECTION 124A OF THE INDIAN PENAL CODE IS STILL REQUIRED AFTER 73 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE? - CJI NV RAMANA

The SC sought the Central Government's response over the misuse of sedition law in the Country while hearing a plea challenging 124A of the IPC. The SC bench headed by Chief Justice NV Ramana questioned whether section 124A of the Indian Penal Code is still required after 73 years of Independence?

"It is a colonial law; it is meant to suppress the freedom movement. It is the same law that the British used against Mahatma Gandhi, Tilak, Etc. Is it still necessary after so many years of Independence?"

The CJI further clarified that he is not blaming any state government or any other government for the misuse of the law, but the executing agency misuses it. Moreover, there is the misuse of the provision but no accountability. The power is so immense that a police officer who wants to fix anybody can invoke the section. Moreover, the provision is so serious that if a political party or a state wants to suppress a voice, they will use this law.

The Court was hearing a petition moved by Retired Army veteran Major General SG Vombatkere challenging the constitutionality of validity of Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 and called it ultra vires Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution read with Articles 14 and 21.

The Bench of Chief Justice of India NV Ramana and Justices AS Bopanna and Hrishikesh Roy adjourned the matter to 27th July 2021.

Author: Papiha Ghoshal