The Supreme Court on Wednesday paused the sedition law until it has been re-examined by the Centre. The court said that those already charged can seek bail before the court.
A bench comprising the Chief Justice of India NV Ramana, Justice Surya Kant and Justice Hima Kohli said that the Centre shall be at liberty to issue directives proposed and place before the Supreme Court to states and union territories to prevent misuse of sec 124 A.
All pending cases will be kept in abeyance while the government reconsidered the sedition law, the Supreme Court said, referring to petitions that challenged the law alleging its misuse in cases like in Maharashtra, where it was invoked over the chanting of the Hanuman Chalisa.
“It will be appropriate not to use this provision of law till further re-examination is over. We hope and expect that centre and state will desist from registering any FIR under 124 A (sedition law) or initiate proceeding under the same till re-examination is over,” said Chief Justice NV Ramana.
