Maharashtra govt. issues fresh guidelines for applying sedition charges

The Devendra Fadnavis led-Maharashtra Government has issued fresh guidelines for the police, specifying the cases and the instances in which sedition charges can be applied.

According to the guidelines issued by the state government, sedition charges will be slapped on person who tries to incite violence or create public disorder by means of words or signs.

The circular adds that sedition charges will not apply to those trying to bring change in government through legal means without hatred and contempt.

The guidelines on Indian Penal Code (IPC) 124-A have been issued with regard to the assurance given to the Bombay High Court in the case when sedition charges were filed against cartoonist Aseem Trivedi for drawing cartoons that allegedly insulted the national emblem and Parliament.

The public representatives identified by the order include state and central ministers, elected representatives, Zila Parishad chairmen, Mayor of a city, and other elected representatives of the government.