CPI Welcomes SC Stay on Sedition Law (May 11, 2022)

New Delhi,

May 11, 2022

Press Release

The National Secretariat of the Communist Party of India issued the following statement today (on May 11, 2022) welcoming the apex court’s stay on the sedition law:

The National secretariat of the Communist Party of India welcomes the historic verdict by the Supreme Court on May 11, 2022, putting a stay on the sedition law. The Party proudly reiterates its demand to scrap the law as such and claims that the Party’s consistent position in this regard stands today vindicated.

The Party notes that the apex court has even ruled that no new FIRs will be lodged under this sedition law until the Centre re-examines the provisions of this British-era law, which has been challenged in the Supreme Court. Chief Justice of India NV Ramana declaring its verdict further said it will be appropriate to not use the law while those already booked under Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and are in jail can approach the courts for relief and added: "We hope and expect that Centre and states will restrain from registering fresh FIRs under Section 124A (Sedition Law) of IPC."

CPI General Secretary D Raja in 2011 itself in Rajya Sabha had moved a private member’s Bill demanding scrapping of Section 124A IPC, the Sedition Law Clause, which is an anti-democratic dictatorial law which after over a decade the highest court of the country has stayed for further decisions. The directive of Supreme Court on Sedition Law is vindication of the consistent position of Communist Party of India.

S/d

Roykutty

Office Secretary
Communist Party of India
Central Office
New Delhi