New Delhi: In a landmark order on Wednesday, the Supreme Court paused the sedition law till the government reviews it. The verdict has impacted hundreds charged under the law over the last few years. People who are in jail for sedition can now approach courts for bail.
According to the apex court, no new FIRs will be filed for sedition and all pending cases will be on hold while the central government reconsiders it. The court referred 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, reported NDTV.
“The Union of India is at liberty to pass directives to states to prevent misuse of the law,” added the Chief Justice.
“We respect each other, the court should respect government, legislature and the government should also respect the court. We have clear demarcation of boundary and that Lakshman Rekha should not be crossed by anybody,” Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju said in a sharp reaction.
