Sedition law and the art of dissent

From the late 19th century onwards, nationalists were regularly falling foul of the Sedition law

The law against sedition — Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code — was introduced in 1870. It was designed to prevent colonial subjects from expressing dissent with British rule. Sedition was also an offence under Britain’s own penal code.

It is a harsh law, prescribing a maximum punishment of life imprisonment for anyone who, “by words spoken or written, or by visible representation… brings into hatred or contempt, or excites or attempts to excite disaffection towards the government established by law.” It has long been abolished in Britain, but continues to be used by the current Indian regime.

Looking at the