There have been arguments that sedition law is an attack on the very foundation of India's liberal democratic principles, as enshrined in the Constitution. Do you agree? Discuss.
Main Body
Sect. 124A of Indian Penal Code defines sedition as attempting/defending hatred, contempt and disaffection against a lawfully elected government. This can be by either use of words, written piece or otherwise. Sedition law is attack on foundation of liberal democratic principles — (1) It hampers the freedom of speech & expression - fundamental right (Art 19(1)a) of Constitution. (2) Sedition law has been misused by governments to silence
genuine criticism (2) 'Denies' right to dissent - also a fundamental right (Art 19(1)a). (3) The verifiable non-bailable nature of law's punishment is misused to deny bail to accused. (4) Attack on liberty to express oneself is viewed due as looked under sedition to speak against government's handling of COVID-19. (5) Arbitrary arrests - against Act 20 and Art 22 of constitution. (6) No mechanism for appeal deny right to constitutional remedies (Article 32). however, the historical & present conditions of India need sedition law to —
Government-e-Marketplace GeM is an online portal from where government procures its lease equipments be goods & office stationery supply of printers. Challenges faced by GeM: (1) Inadequate choices for different products to many times only 1 brand for one product (2) This leads to monopoly & inefficiency. Less competition & ineffective waste taxpayer's money. (3) Non-availability of various
Conclusion
Sedition law must be repurposed to meet present needs of India. To realise goals of digital India we must put impetus on GeM.
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Priyanka Choudhary
Indian Constitution - Historical Underpinnings, Evolution, Features, Amendments, Significant Provisions and Basic Structure
Fundamental Rights
Freedom of Speech and Sedition Law
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