Multiple choice

Directions: Given below is a statement of principle, followed by a factual situation. Apply the principle to the facts and select the most appropriate answer among three alternatives given. Encircle your choice and explain why you think your answer is correct in not more than 3 to 4 lines. If it exceeds 4 lines, then penalty may be imposed.

Principle: Sedition: Whoever by words, signs or otherwise brings into hatred or contempt or excites disaffection towards the government established by law in India shall be punished with imprisonment of life. Facts: In a public meeting, Yashpal Reddy, the leader of an opposition party thunders, “This is a government of scoundrels, bootleggers and scamsters. They deserve to be unseated. Teach them a lesson in the coming elections by voting them out of power”. The government is contemplating to prosecute Yashpal Reddy.

  1. Yashpal Reddy is guilty of sedition for having made irresponsible and inflammatory statements against the government.

  2. Yashpal Reddy is not guilty of sedition as he is only exercising his freedom of speech in public.

  3. Yashpal Reddy is guilty of sedition, as his statement would incite people to violence leading to reakdown of law and order.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

(1) this constitutes sedition as it obviously falls within the purview of a strict interpretation of the principle given here. However, if you refer to the discussion on Sedition in Module II, you will realize that a statement is not seditious unless it contains an incitement to violence. Since the principle given in the question does not specify this requirement, we have chosen (1) as the correct answer.

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