Law panel’s recommendations on sedition law: Stepping backwards

Source: The post is based on the article “Express View on Law panel’s recommendations on sedition law: Stepping backwards ” published in “The Indian Express” on 6th June 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2 – Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

Relevance: About retaining sedition law.

News: The 22nd Law Commission has said that the sedition needs to be retained, but certain amendments could be made for greater clarity regarding its usage.

What is Sedition?

What are the Law Commission’s recommendations for retaining sedition law?

What are the reasons given by the committee for retaining sedition law?

What should be done?

After initially defending the law, the Centre told the Court last year that it would review it.  Prime Minister is on the view of shedding colonial baggage as the country marks 75 years of Independence. Accordingly, the Union Home Ministry in an affidavit asked the SC to defer the hearing till it is reviewed by a “competent forum.”

Now the Parliament must step in and must finish what it started (revoke sedition). This is essential in polarised times when the spaces for freedom of expression and the right to dissent seem endangered.