27 May 2023: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

E. Editorials

Category: POLITY

1. Sedition and its roots in rudeness as an offence

Syllabus: Government policies and interventions.

Mains: Sedition.

Prelims: Sedition.

Introduction:

• The offence of ‘sedition’ in the Pakistan Penal Code was declared invalid by Lahore High Court on 30th March 2023.
• However, in India, several complaints were registered under sedition during the same time.
• Several people were booked for criminal conspiracy to cause public mischief and to deface public property in Ahmedabad and Delhi.
• Similarly, some printing presses were alleged of breaching the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867.

For details on Sedition, read here: Sedition Law in India – IPC Section 124A [UPSC Notes]

Details:

• Pakistan uses the law of blasphemy, specifically against poor citizens. Notably, India does not criminalize blasphemy, but has a similar provision under the clause of ‘hurting of sentiments’.
• It is argued that the logic behind sedition has leaped forward and transformed into other provisions of law that criminalize speech.
• The author argues that the state has stationed itself at the top of the social hierarchy. Thus the state functionary addresses the citizen in the most commanding voice.
• The unchecked use of laws like sedition against citizens often mirrors the social-political relations of power.
• It is found that the practice of prosecuting speech offences under ‘offensive or disruptive speech’ is often used on those who are:
  • Inferior in established social/political hierarchies
  • Outsiders to the reigning narrative of the time
  • Challenger of existing social or political order
• Moreover, prosecutors attack certain speech as grave and damaging to someone’s reputation while tolerating other violent speech.

Supreme Court Stand in Sedition Law:

• The apex court dismissed the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s decision to ban the broadcast license for Media One.
• It further highlighted that “ A homogenized view on issues that range from socio-economic policy to political ideologies can pose grave dangers to democracy”.
• It said that the government should not use ‘national security’ as a catch phrase to censor speech.
• The judgment highlights its mutating stand on sedition law.

Also read: MediaOne Ban – Supreme Court’s Judgements [UPSC Notes]

Related Link: 

Sedition Law – Should India Scrap the Most Contentious Colonial Era Law

Nut Graf: It is argued that the defining logic of sedition has already transplanted itself into several different provisions of law that criminalize speech. However, the courts are reviewing the validity of the law like the ‘Media One case’.

2. A fountainhead of the people’s hopes and aspirations

Syllabus: Government policies and interventions.

Mains: New parliament house and its significance.

Prelims: New Parliament House.

Context: The new Parliament House will be inaugurated on 28 May 2023.

Introduction:

• In its 75th year of independence, India will inaugurate its new parliament house on 28th May 2023.
• However, this is not the new Parliament setup. The new building will be an extension of the existing Parliament complex.
• It is highlighted that the old building gave direction to independent India. While the new one will witness the making of India as ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.

Background Details:

• In 1927, the main parliament building was inaugurated. 
• In order to accommodate more staff and other offices, two more floors were added in 1956.
• It was further expanded in 1975.
• The parliament library was added to the complex in 2002.
• An extension of the Parliament Annexe was constructed in the year 2016.
• The new building was required because of:
  • Lack of modern facilities.
  • Shortage of space.
  • Multiple retrofitting left little space for further improvements
  • Electrical wires are squeezed under covers
  • Multiple wirings gave a shabby look 
  • Many Presiding officers of the house (like Meira Kumar and Sumitra Mahajan)  highlighted the poor state of the building
• Notably, the foundation of a detailed plan for the building was laid in December 2020. In a span of two and a half years, the building is ready for use.

Also read: Central Vista Redevelopment Project | GK Current Affairs For Competitive Exams

Significance of the New Parliament House:

• The building is now more spacious, energy-efficient, and accessible.
• It houses updated technology.
• It will increase the efficiency of MPs and can modernize the work culture.
• Simultaneous interpretation in multiple languages would be possible due to better audio-video communication facilities.
• Better availability of records through e-library.
• It will house museum-grade galleries and a Constitution Hall to display India’s age-old history of democracy.
• It will give the opportunity to introspect the efficiency and productivity of Parliament.
• Adequate functional space and modern facilities for the members will help in reducing friction and enabling better discussions and deliberations.
• In the future, each member will have a dedicated space for better interaction with the people of their constituency.

Conclusion:

The world is changing fast and is on the verge of the emergence of machine learning and Artificial Intelligence. The new parliament building will prepare and equip India for new challenges.

Related Link: 

UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis. May 25th, 2023 CNA. Download PDF

Nut Graf: The new parliament building will be inaugurated on 28th May 2023. It is a significant step as it will equip policymakers with better technology and space efficiency. It is in line with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Moreover, it will prepare India for newer challenges.