Have faith in judiciary'

Interview with M. Veerappa Moily, Union Law Minister.

THE Sessions Court's verdict has led to an intense debate on the relevance of the law on sedition. Civil rights activists have called it archaic and demanded its review as it goes against the right to freedom of expression. Union Law Minister M. Veerappa Moily says the law can be reviewed. Excerpts from an interview he gave Frontline:

The verdict in the Binayak Sen case has brought into focus the law on sedition. Civil rights activists say this law, which was invoked by the British to prosecute Indian freedom fighters, has lost its relevance today and want it to be reviewed. What do you have to say on this?

The matter has not come to me yet. If rights activists bring it up to me, I can certainly look into it.

In the wake of the verdict, do you think the law is relevant in the modern Indian context?

I have not applied my mind to this issue as it has not been brought to my notice by anybody. But now that you have raised it, I will certainly look into it.

Do you mean to say that if rights activists petition you on this, you will initiate the process of review of this law? Does it mean that rights activists have not drawn your attention to this matter as yet despite the fact that protests against the verdict have been going on across India?

No, rights activists have not brought the issue to me at all. And yes, if they bring the matter to me, I will certainly apply my mind to it. Beyond this, I would not like to say anything as the matter is still subjudice.

Do you think the protests by activists will interfere with the legal process in the issue?

I will not like to comment on what the rights activists have to say. They are free individuals and can voice their opinion on any issue whatsoever. India is a free country and our Constitution gives everyone the right to freedom of expression. But as far as this matter, which is subjudice, is concerned, let me state firmly that in my opinion the law should be allowed to take its course, and there should be no interference with the process of law from any quarter.

Senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh has said that since Dr Binayak Sen is such a fine human being the verdict should be reviewed. Are you of the same opinion?

I cannot speak like Digvijay Singh. All I can say today is that let the law take its course. We should have faith in our judiciary.

But in your opinion was the verdict based on strong evidence or not?

It would not be proper for me to comment on the verdict in any form. Thank you.