SC to examine sedition law interpretation over right of press and free speech

01 June,2021 07:09 AM IST |  New Delhi  |  Agencies

The two channels were booked by Andhra Pradesh police for alleged sedition in showing ‘offensive’ speeches of YSR Congress rebel MP K Raghu Rama Krishna Raju.

The SC said provisions of 124A (sedition) and 153 (promoting enmity between classes) of IPC require interpretation. Representation pic


A Supreme Court bench led by Justice D Y Chandrachud Monday said it will examine the interpretation of sedition law, particularly in the light of media rights and free speech, as it gave protection to Telugu news channels - TV5 and ABN Andhrajyothi - from any coercive action in a case lodged against them under the colonial era provision.

The two channels were booked by Andhra Pradesh police for alleged sedition in showing ‘offensive' speeches of YSR Congress rebel MP K Raghu Rama Krishna Raju.

During the hearing, the SC took a dig on authorities for taking strong note of critical media reportage on issues related to COVID-19, quipping whether a sedition case has been lodged against a news channel for showing a body being thrown into a river.

According to a report in Bar and Bench, senior advocate and former attorney general Mukul Rohatgi said sedition is not meant to "stifle free speech or criticism." "Section 124A is a relic of British imperialism. In fact it should be relieved only."

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
supreme court andhra pradesh new delhi national news
Related Stories