Darius Khambata
Maharashtra government submits draft circular on guidelines to invoke charges of sedition under the IPC, to Bombay high court's chief justice's bench through advocate general Darius Khambata.
The circular specifying "limitations and parameters" for applying IPC's section 124 includes creating "disaffection towards the government" as a reason to press charges under the section. The circular follows the September 8 arrest of India Against Corruption cartoonist Aseem Trivedi on charges of sedition, that generated public outcry.
Part of the circular reads:
Comments expressing disapproval or criticism of the government with a view to obtaining change of government by lawful means are not seditious under section 124 (a) of IPC. Obscenity or vulgarity should also not be taken into account under this charge.