New Delhi: In a historic decision, the Supreme Court on Wednesday directed centre and state governments not to register any cases of sedition under Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code pending an exercise to review the colonial law.
A three-judge Bench led by CJI NV Ramana also observed that those who are in jail under Section 124A of the Act could apply for bail in the court.
Earlier, the Solicitor General said that the government cannot prevent the police from registering offences under the sedition provision, but 124A cases should be registered only after the recommendation of a competent authority (SP rank).
He added that pending cases of sedition could be reviewed. Bail can be considered expeditiously in cases registered under 124A.