New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday put the sedition law on hold and ruled that no new FIRs will be lodged under this sedition law until the Centre reexamines the provisions of this law, which has been challenged in the Supreme Court.
A bench headed by Chief Justice N.V. Ramana and comprising Justices Surya Kant and Hima Kohli said it will be appropriate to not use the law while those already booked under Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code and are in jail can approach the courts for bail.
“We hope and expect that Centre and states will restrain from registering fresh FIRs under Section 124A (sedition) of IPC,” the order said.
The apex court issued the order a day after it asked the Centre whether the pending sedition cases can be kept in abeyance.
The Centre on Wednesday informed the Supreme Court that staying provision of the sedition law may not be a correct approach. Instead, the Centre can ask the states that only a police officer of the rank of SP or above must record in writing the reasons and compliance with the SC judgment in the Vinod Dua case before a fresh sedition case is to be lodged. There has to be a responsible officer for scrutiny and his satisfaction is subject to judicial review, solicitor general Tushar Mehta said.
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