Thread by @barandbench

#SupremeCourt hears a batch of petitions challenging Section 124A of the IPC criminalising sedition. Earlier SC had barred authorities from using this section to arrest or prosecute individuals under #sedition law

Attorney General for India R Venkataramani: Something may happen in the winter session of the parliament

CJI: The earlier order had noted that the govt had considered to take a re-look at 124A

AG: there is thinking on the subject and some change may happen before the winter session of the parliament. There is no reason to worry now with the interim order in place #sedition

CJI: has such a directive been issued by the Centre to avoid usage of 124A? What does it say ?

SG Mehta: Yes it was sent to all Chief Secretaries

CJI: to put in abeyance all pending proceeding and no such fresh cases right ?

SG: Yes exactly #Sedition

Adv Kaleeswaram Raj: order says all pending trials with this section has to be kept in abeyance.

CJI: What do you want?

Adv Raj: The section needs to be struck down or else this order will continue indefinitely

AG: let the matter come after the parliament session.

CJI: When is that ?

AG: Sometime in January.

CJI: Let notice be issued in matters where notice was not issued returnable second week of Jan. AG has submitted that in compliance with previous order matter is still engaging attention of relevant authorities. He seeks additional time for appropriate steps by Govt

CJI: AG says all interests and concerns are protected and this on his assurance we adjourn the matter to second week of January 2023. #SupremeCourt

CJI: The directive sent to the chief secretaries be placed on record. #sedition