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VOL. 9, ISSUE 4 (2023)
Sedition law: A threat to free speech and democracy
Authors
Ruchi Kumari
Abstract
India is the largest
democracy in the world and freedom of speech and expression is considered as an
essential element of democracy. Freedom of speech and expression plays a key
role in shaping public opinion on social, political, and economic issues. It is
truly a mother of all liberties. However, the sedition laws have empowered the
executive to use this vaguely defined provision as a means to control public
opinion and arbitrarily exercise authority. The recent instance of invoking
sedition laws in several cases plainly demonstrates that the government is
using this as a political tool to suppress dissenting voices. Sedition laws and
their flagrant abuse attacks the very foundation of the liberties and freedom
guaranteed by our Constitution. Most importantly, it has a chilling effect on journalists
and activists who criticise government’s rules and policies freely. The rampant
misuse of sedition law shows that it is a matter of serious concern. This article
analyses the sedition law that exist in India and the way its misuse impacts
freedom of speech and expression and democracy. It also discusses its status in
other countries around the world.
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Pages:51-55
How to cite this article:
Ruchi Kumari "Sedition law: A threat to free speech and democracy". International Journal of Law, Vol 9, Issue 4, 2023, Pages 51-55
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