New Delhi: With the Supreme Court putting the contentious sedition law on hold, Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday said while he respected the court and its independence, there is a “Lakshman Rekha” that must be respected by all organs of the state in letter and spirit. Stating the Central government has made its position very clear on the matter, the Law Minister said the ruling dispensation has also informed the court about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s intention regarding the same, ANI reported.
“We have made our positions very clear and also informed the court about the intention of our PM,” Rijiju said.
“We respect the court and its independence. But there is a ‘Lakshman Rekha’ (line) that must be respected by all organs of the state in letter and spirit,” he added, according to the news agency.
Rijiju further said: “We have to ensure that we respect the provisions of the Indian Constitution as well as existing laws.”
Earlier in the day, the apex court put the sedition law on hold and urged the Centre and states to refrain from registering any FIRs invoking Section 124A of the IPC.
The Supreme Court allowed the Central government to re-examine and reconsider the provisions of Section 124A of the IPC which criminalises the offence of sedition.
The apex court said no case will be registered under Section 124A till the exercise of re-examination is complete.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India NV Ramana, Justice Surya Kant, and Justice Hima Kohli held that all pending cases, appeals and proceedings with respect to charges framed under Section124 A be kept in abeyance.
The Supreme Court held that adjudication with respect to other sections may proceed with no prejudice being caused to the accused.
The apex court also held that those already booked under Section 124A of the IPC and are in jail can approach the concerned courts for bail.