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

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."

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