Sedition vis a vis freedom of speech and expression national and international perspectives

Abstract

The objective behind the study on this topic is the rampant abuse of law of sedition in the recent times in the country and the world. Freedom of Speech and Expression has been given a supreme place as it is regarded as first and foremost right in the process of individual s self-development. It is like an asset in perpetuity that no one actually wants to part with. The tussle between the law of sedition and freedom of speech and expression is ever growing to the extent that it has pressurized our governments to review the law of sedition in the twenty first century. As discussed in the previous chapters, that, at international level, countries like United Kingdom, New Zealand have found a solution to the problem of breach of freedom of speech and expression by repealing the law of sedition. United States of America and Canada have retained these laws but have widened the scope of freedom of speech and expression by narrowing down the scope of restrictions on free speech and there has been no prosecution for sedition in the twenty first century. Australia has adopted a middle path by modifying the law of sedition through repeal of the provisions of sedition from its criminal statute and making it a part of the Anti-Terror legislation. On the other hand, Singapore, Malaysia and India are still continuing with the British legacy of suppressing every form of dissent by use of sedition laws. Law Commissions in these countries have recommended the review of law of sedition. newline