After Centre’s U-Turn, SC Asks If Sedition Cases Can Be Kept At ‘Abeyance’ Till Re-Examination

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the central government to submit its stand on whether all sedition cases filed across the country could be kept in abeyance or on hold along with the registration of new cases under the colonial-era law till it finishes reconsidering Section 124A.

This came a day after the Centre made a U-turn and said it has decided to “re-examine and re-consider” the sedition law by an “appropriate forum”. It had on Saturday defended the penal law on sedition and the 1962 verdict of a constitution bench upholding its validity, saying they have withstood “the test of time” about six decades and the instances of its abuse would never be a justification of reconsideration.

“We have perused the affidavit by the respondent (Central government). Meanwhile, to protect the interest of the people already booked under 124A as well as the future of this provision, SG will take instructions whether cases can be kept in abeyance till further time till reconsideration is over,” said a bench headed by Chief Justice NV Ramana, as reported by Bar and Bench.

The apex court expressed concern over Sec 124A being slapped at the drop of a hat and asked if the Centre could frame guidelines for the states to ensure that the rights of those already arrested under Section 124A are protected till the review is over. “Our specific queries are: one about pending cases and the second, as to how the government will take care of future cases,” said the bench.

The Centre has been given time till Wednesday to submit its response.

The top court has been hearing pleas, challenging the validity of the law on sedition which has been under intense public scrutiny for its alleged misuse to settle political scores by various governments.