Abeyance of sedition law by SC brings joy, relief for journalists
Abeyance of sedition law by SC brings joy, relief for journalists
New Delhi, May 11 (Delhi Crown): Journalists bodies in Delhi on Wednesday welcomed the Supreme Court move to keep the sedition law in abeyance for the time being, saying it was often used against journalists in an effort to curb independent reporting.
The Editors Guild of India said it was “extremely pleased” that in response to the petitions filed against the sedition law (124A, IPC), the Supreme Court of India has passed an interim order to keep the law in abeyance, until the Union Govt reconsiders it.
The Editors Guild of India was one of the petitioners against the sedition law.
“The Guild welcomes this interim order as sedition law has been used for too often by Central and state governments against journalists in an effort to curb independent reporting,” said the journalists’ body.
In a statement signed by its president Seema Mustafa, the Guild said – “The court has also allowed those booked under this provision to approach the concerned court for bail. The order was passed after the Union Government states in affidavit that the law requires “re-consideration and re-examination” of the law.”
