Govt Likely To Bring Changes In Sedition Law In Winter Session Of Parliament, Centre Tells SC

The Supreme Court, which was the hearing a batch of petitions challenging the sedition law, fixed the matter for further hearing in January 2023.

The Supreme Court had put the sedition law on hold on May 11

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The Centre on Monday told the Supreme Court that the government might bring changes to the sedition law, section 124-A of the Indian Penal Code, in the upcoming Winter session of Parliament and requested additional time so that appropriate steps could be taken, a report in Live Law said.

The Supreme Court, which was the hearing a batch of petitions challenging the sedition law, fixed the matter for further hearing in January 2023.

Attorney General R Venkataramani told teh SC bench, comprising CJI UU Lalit, Justice Ravindra Bhat and Justice Bela M Trivedi, that the Centre was in the process of reviewing criminal laws.

"Something may happen in the next parliament session," he said.

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When asked by the CJI if a directive was issued by the Centre to put in abeyance all pending proceedings and prevent the filing of any fresh cases under Section 124A, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said directions were sent to all chief secretaries, Live Law reported.

After hearing, the Supreme Court said, "The attorney general submits that in terms of the directions issued by this court in order dated May 11, 2022, the matter is still engaging the attention of the relevant authorities. He submits that some additional time be granted so that appropriate steps can be taken by the government."

"In view of the interim directions issued by this court...dated May 11, 2022, every interest and concern stand protected and as such there would be no prejudice to anyone. At his request, we adjourn the matter to the second week of January, 2023," the bench said.

On May 11, the Supreme Court stayed all proceedings in sedition cases and directed the Central government to re-examine the validity of this law and do the needful to amend it for arresting its misuse. The court also asked the Union and state governments not to register any fresh case invoking the offence.

The order came after the Centre acknowledged that the law was not in tune with the current times.

As per Section 124-A, the non-bailable provision makes any speech or expression that brings or attempts to bring into hatred or contempt or excites or attempts to excite disaffection towards the government a criminal offence punishable with a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Imprisonment can be for life-time or for three years based on the nature of seditious charges.