The New Sedition Law (Section 152 BNS): A Threat to Press Freedom and Dissent
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Indian Polity and Governance (Fundamental Rights - Article 19, Judiciary, Recent Legislations like BNS).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 2: Indian Constitution—significant provisions; Fundamental Rights; Separation of powers between various organs; Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability; Role of civil services in a democracy.
Key Highlights from the News
Assam Police registered a case against prominent journalists of 'The Wire' online media under Section 152 of the new sedition law, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Police sent summons to the same journalists on the same day the Supreme Court granted them protection from arrest-like actions, while hearing a petition challenging the constitutional validity of this law.
Critics strongly argue that Section 152 is a new and more dangerous form of the old sedition law, IPC Section 124A.
The word "knowingly" in the new law may empower the government to prosecute an individual even without malicious intent.
Vague terms like "sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India" in the new law provide significant scope for misuse by law enforcement.
Using this law against journalists who criticize the government creates a "chilling effect" on press freedom and dissent.
The author demands that the Supreme Court intervene to repeal such sedition laws, which have no place in a democracy.
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