Union Law Minister to Consider Consultations on Non-Binding Report

The Indian government will hold consultations with all stakeholders before making a final decision on the sedition law (Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code). Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal stated that the recommendations made in the Law Commission of India’s report are persuasive and not binding. The commission recommended that the sedition law should be retained due to internal security threats and to prevent offences against the state. However, it also suggested certain amendments to the provisions. The Law Commission further stated that the sedition law should not be repealed merely because it is from colonial times and must be evaluated based on India’s realities. The commission also made recommendations for amendments, including mandatory preliminary investigations, procedural safeguards, and a revision of punishment for sedition. While the constitutionality of Section 124A of IPC was challenged in the Supreme Court, the Union of India assured the court that they are re-examining the provision.