Supreme Court clarifies sedition trials can proceed if accused has no objection
The Supreme Court clarified that trials and appeals in sedition cases under Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code can proceed if the accused has no objection. This comes four years after the top court put a hold on sedition trials pending the government's review of the colonial-era provision. The Bench, comprising CJI Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi, issued this clarification while hearing a plea from a man jailed for 17 years on sedition charges. The court emphasized balancing security interests with civil liberties and directed the Madhya Pradesh High Court to hear the petitioner's appeal forthwith.
Key Points
- The Supreme Court clarified that sedition trials under Section 124A IPC can continue if the accused does not object.
- This ruling follows an interim order from May 2022 that put sedition trials on hold pending government review of the law.
- The court's decision aims to balance state security interests with citizens' civil liberties.
- The clarification was issued in response to a plea from a long-detained individual facing sedition charges.
- The Madhya Pradesh High Court was directed to expedite the petitioner's appeal.
Exam Facts
- Sedition offence is under Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
- Interim order to put sedition trials on hold was issued on May 11, 2022.
- The petitioner was also charged under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, and Arms Act, 1959.
- Bench included CJI Surya Kant, Justices Joymalya Bagchi, and Vipul M. Pancholi.
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