Supreme Court pauses controversial sedition law until review in historic verdict

After the verdict, now hundreds who are charged under the law can now approach court for bail.

Responding to the pleas which challenged the law alleging its misuse in many cases, the top court said no new First Information Report (FIR) will be filed and all pending cases will be hold at a time the government reviews the Act. 

Chief Justice of India (CJI) NV Ramana said as quoted by NDTV, "It will be appropriate not to use this provision of law till further re-examination is over.

"We hope and expect that centre and state will desist from registering any FIR under 124 A (sedition law) or initiate proceeding under the same till re-examination is over."

"The Union of India is at liberty to pass directives to states to prevent misuse of the law," the CJI added. 

Though the government Monday announced its decision to review the law, it had argued that the Act should not be paused. 

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who was representing the government, said as quoted by NDTV, "There has to be a layer of scrutiny, where a responsible officer is there to scrutinise the gravity of the situation and there of course would be judicial forums."

Welcoming the order, Congresss spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala, tweeted, "Speaking “truth to power” is not #Sedition but true Nationalism!.."

Calling the judgement "victory", Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra tweeted, "Supreme Court stays Sec 124A- no new cases can be filed, existing cases can apply for bail & release immediately.

"Thank you to my lawyer Sr. Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayan for his 1 pager which swung the day!"