In tandem with the PPF’s objective, PPF, conducted an online webinar on ‘SEDITION LAW – A WEAPON AGAINST FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY’ by Justice Jasti Chelameswar, former judge Supreme Court of India on 17th June 2022.

 Section 124A of Indian Penal Code defines sedition as: “Whoever, by words, either spoken or written, or by signs, or by visible representation, or otherwise, brings or attempts to bring into hatred or contempt, or excites or attempts to excite disaffection towards, the Government estab­lished by law shall be punished with im­prisonment for life, to which fine may be added”. 

This provision of law was extensively used to curb political dissent during the Indian Independence movement by the British government. Paradoxically, this law is in use by the elected governments even after constituting India into a Sovereign Democratic Republic as a handy tool against political rivals, to suppress dissent and free speech. Chelameswar holds progressive and independent view about the operation of institutions and implementation of law in a democratic country.

 Speaker Justice Jasti Chelameswar - was the second most senior judges in the Supreme Court of India at the time of his retirement on 22nd June 2018. He also served as Chief Justice of Kerala for the period from 17 March 2010 – 9 October 2011