‘Comments against PM derogatory but…’ Karnataka HC quashes sedition case against school

Karnataka High Court: The Karnataka High Court has given a big relief to the school management while giving an important verdict in the sedition case. The High Court said that indecent remarks against the Prime Minister are not only derogatory, but also irresponsible, but it is not sedition. Along with this, the High Court quashed the sedition case against the school management.

In January 2020, children aged 9, 10 and 11 staged a play in protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in a school in Bidar district. In this case, a case of sedition was registered against the school management and the mother of the 11-year-old child. A single bench of Justice Hemant Chandangoudar, in an order passed on June 14, quashed sedition proceedings against four people who were part of the management of Shaheen School in Bidar. The full court order was made available on 5 July.

Remarks about PM derogatory – High Court

The court said in the order that there is no proper reason to impose section 153-A (creating hatred between religious groups) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in this case. Justice Chandangoudar said in the order, calling the Prime Minister abusive like hitting shoes is not only derogatory, but also irresponsible. Constructive criticism of government policy is permitted, but constitutional functionaries cannot be disrespected for taking policy decisions to which some section of people may object.

It was alleged in the complaint that various acts of the government were criticized in the play. However, the High Court said that the play was performed inside the school premises and the children did not utter any words that could incite people to violence or create public disorder. Therefore registration of FIR under 124-A (sedition) is unacceptable.

Advice to keep children away from politics

Along with this, the High Court in its order has also advised schools to keep children away from criticism of governments. It said that dramas should be played on such topics which promote creativity in children and increase their academic interest. Current political issues affect their young minds. Students should be filled with knowledge, technology, which will benefit them during the course of studies.

The court said that schools should not teach children to criticize government policies or insult constitutional functionaries for taking particular policy decisions.

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