The Supreme Court on Thursday quashed a sedition case against veteran journalist Vinod Dua for his criticism against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his YouTube show last year, saying landmark Kedar Nath Singh judgment entitles protection to every journalist.
The Bench comprising Justices UU Lalit and Vineet Saran, however, declined the prayer of Dua that no FIR should be registered against any media personnel with 10 years’ experience unless cleared by a committee, saying it would amount to an encroachment into the domain of the executive.
On the issue of protection of freedom of speech and expression of media personnel, the apex court said, “Every journalist is entitled to protection under the Kedar Nath Singh judgment of 1962 on the scope and ambit of offence of sedition in the IPC).”
While upholding validity of section 124A (sedition) of the IPC, the top court in 1962 had ruled the sedition charges could not be invoked against a citizen for criticism of Government actions as it would be in conformity with the freedom of speech and expression.
Dua through his YouTube channel heavily criticised Modi on Pulwama issue and on migrant workers issue during lockdown in March 2020. A local BJP leader from Himachal Pradesh field FIR against Dua for inciting migrant workers. Same time another BJP leader approached police in Delhi against Dua.
Then Dua approached the Supreme Court against the FIR filed by Himachal Pradesh police. In May 2020, Dua was summoned by Shimla Police.
