Since the Independence of India itself, the Supreme Court is very confused between keeping or removing the Sedition law. It is a law that was framed under Section 124A of the Indian Panel Code (IPC) to stop people from spreading hatred about the government. But the fact is, it totally violates a fundamental right article 19A, the freedom of speech and expression.
Thatswhy, it is one of the most controversial topics in India. Here you will find out all the information you need to know about sedition law.
What is Sedition Law?
via: Law Insiders India
Sedition is a law created by the British historian and politician Thomas Macaulay in 1837. It bounds people from criticising the government through words, whether spoken or written, any signs or visual representation. Any person who is found doing any of these things is chargeable by Sedition.
The behaviour of hostility or disloyalty and comments that brings hatred toward the government or cause any protest or revolts are also counted as Sedition.
Witten in the Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code, “Whoever, by words, either spoken or written, or by signs, or by visible representation, or otherwise, brings or attempts to bring into hatred or contempt, or excites or attempts to excite disaffection towards, the Government established by law shall be punished with imprisonment for life, to which fine may be added…”
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Punishment for Sedition
via: India Today
Sedition is a punishable offence under Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Anyone who is trying to criticise or attempt to bring hatred towards the government will be punished with a three-year jail sentence to life imprisonment. The court will decide your punishment according to the damage you bring to the government’s reputation.
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History of Sedition
via: Twitter
In the 19th century, when Indians were protesting and going against the British government, Thomas Macaulay introduced Sedition to control them. And the first case was registered in 1891 on Jogendra Chunder Bose.
After the Independence, no one removes this law from the book of the constitution and still, it is a matter of discussion. Every year, police arrest many people under this law. In fact, there are also many famous personalities charged with Sedition like Mahatma Gandhi, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bhagat Singh etc.
Is Sedition Good or Bad?
via: Reiffmail
Answering this question is very hard for everyone because it results in good or bad from time to time. Sedition helps the government to have control over riots. Because of it, they can stop a person who is about to create riots.
But they can also misuse this law to dominate. Some people think that the Sedition is violating the fundamental rights of the people of India. Because it directly aims at article 19a, freedom of speech and expression. So, it depends upon you how would you think of it.