Question

LEGAL PRINCIPLE OF SEDITION: Whoever by words, by signs or otherwise brings into hatred or contempt or excites disaffection towards the Government established by Law in India shall be punished with imprisonment for life.
FACTUAL SITUATION: In a public meeting, Z, the leader of an opposite party thunders, "this is a Government of soundrels, bootleggers and scamsters. They deserve to be unseated. Teach them a lesson in the coming elections by voting them out of power". The Government prosecutes Z for sedition.
DECIDE.

• A. Z is guilty of sedition for having made irresponsible and inflammatory statements against the Government
• B. Z is not guilty of sedition as he is only exercising his freedom of speech in public
• C. Z is guilty of sedition, as his statement would incite people to violence leading to breakdown of Law and order
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Z is not guilty of sedition as he is only exercising his freedom of speech in public

Z is not guilty of sedition because he has not tried to bring hatred or contempt or excited disaffection towards the Government of India. He did not incite people to use the the measures that tried to break law and order of the country. Rather asked them to use a democratic way of voting them out of the Power. He also has the freedom of speech in public that is safeguarded by Article 19 of the constitution of India.