LCI calls for retention of Section 124A and increase in punishment

The Law Commission of India (LCI) has recommended that Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which criminalizes sedition, should be retained with certain safeguards to prevent its misuse. The LCI has further suggested an enhancement in punishment. The jail term of three years should be increased to seven years to ensure that the sedition laws are not misused. The continued existence of the government established by law is an essential condition for the security and stability of the State. Hence, it becomes imperative to retain Section 124A and ensure that all such subversive activities are nipped in their incipiency. The sedition law is a reasonable restriction on the right to free speech. The report also said that in the absence of Section 124A, any expression that incites violence against the government would invariably be tried under the special laws and counter-terror legislation. The LCI recommended these suggestions after the Central government told the Supreme Court that it will re-examine and reconsider the retention of Section 124A.