VOMBATKERE S. G. Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) These petitions are filed challenging the Constitutionality of Sec. 124 A of the Indian Penal Code 1860 (hereinafter IPC) relating to the offence of Sedition.

(2.) Having heard learned Senior counsel appearing for the parties and perusing the documents available on record, we may observe that this matter was listed for the first time on 15/7/2021. Thereinafter, this Court, after hearing the parties, issued notice on 27/4/2022. When this matter was next taken up, learned Solicitor General of India prayed for additional time of 2 to 3 days for filing of counter-affidavit. Accordingly, time was granted till the end of the week for filing counter-affidavit. Again, the matter was listed on 5/5/2022, wherein the Solicitor General again sought additional time to file a counter affidavit. On that date, this Court while granting the Solicitor General time to file counter affidavit, directed the parties to file their written submissions on the preliminary issue of the necessity of reference to a larger bench prior to the next date of hearing.

(3.) Accordingly, on 7/5/2022, written submissions were filed on behalf of Solicitor General of India.