There`s a need to stop misuse of Section 124A (sedition) of the Indian Penal Code, Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar deposed before the Koregaon-Bhima inquiry commission on Thursday. Pawar also mentioned this in his additional affidavit before the commission, set up to enquire into the violence that took place on January 1, 2018.

“Section 124A of the IPC, which deals with sedition, was inserted by the Britishers in 1870 to control the uprisings against them and to suppress the freedom movements. However, in recent times this section is often misused against people who criticise the government, suppressing their liberty and stifling any voice of dissent raised in a peaceful and democratic way. Hence, it is proposed that the misuse of Section 124A should be stopped with amendments or the said section should be repealed. I have a reason to say this as provisions of IPC and Unlawful Activities Prevention Act are sufficient for protecting national integrity,” Pawar said in his affidavit filed before the commissioner.