Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel on Saturday said the sedition law should not be invoked in cases related to social media posts and defamation, reiterating the need to scrap the draconian provision.
Baghel, who ordered the immediate release of a man arrested by Chattisgarh police for posting a critical message on the state’s pitiable power situation, said in Delhi on Saturday: “People have the right to express themselves. We support that freedom. We had promised in our manifesto to repeal the sedition law. Arresting people for criticism is the practice of other governments. I welcome constructive criticism.”
Baghel added: “There are other laws to deal with persons who spread rumors and create mischief. People who spread baseless rumors can be dealt with under those legal provisions. Sedition case should not be filed. But I appeal to the people to avoid making undignified comments and spreading false propaganda.”