Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
3. Section 124-A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) has been weaponised as a handy tool against political rivals, to suppress dissent and free speech. Critically examine its need in a modern-day democratic India. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
Claiming that it is “fully cognizant of the various views” being expressed on sedition law, the Centre Monday told the Supreme Court that it “has decided to re-examine and re-consider the provisions of Section 124A (that deal with the offence)
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the concerns with sedition laws in the country and examine if they need to be scrapped in modern day.
Directive word:
Critically examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we have to look into the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a fair judgment.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by writing about aims and objectives of Section 124-A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Body:
First, write about the historical context of Section 124-A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Next, write about the various aspects of the misuse of the law – police and related state authorities are using the sedition laws indiscriminately to create fear amongst the citizens and silence any criticisms or dissent against the regime.
Next, write about the present day need of the law.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a balanced way forward regarding Section 124-A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
