BS Bassi justifies sedition charges against JNU students

New Delhi: Justifying Sedition charges on the students of the Jawaharlal Nehru University for eulogising Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru, Delhi Police Commissioner BS Bassi on Friday warned people of indulging in anti-state activities saying that the punishment for the same ranged from three years to life imprisonment.

"In the JNU case we have registered a case under Section 124-A of the IPC. All those involved in the case have been identified. One person has also been arrested in the case. After interrogating the arrested person, we will also arrest the remaining defaulters. In the Press Club incident as well, we have registered a case under Section 124-A. And the people who were involved in this are being identified and will be arrested soon," he told ANI.

Replying to all those who criticised the Delhi Police for registering the case under Section 124-A of the Indian Penal Code, Bassi asked them to read the Section again.

"Those who say that such incidents don't come under Section 124-A, which is commonly known as Sedition charges, they are wrong. If one reads the Section, they would see that any activity that spreads hatred towards the country or the government is covered under this Section. I also want to warn the people who are thinking of doing such things that the punishment under this charge ranges from three years to life imprisonment," he said.

Section 124-A of the Indian Penal Code defines Sedition-Whoever, by words, either spoken or written, or by signs, or by visible representation, or otherwise, brings or attempts to bring into hatred or contempt, or excites or attempts to excite disaffection towards, the Government established by law in shall be punished with imprisonment for life, to which fine may be added, or with imprisonment which may extend to three years, to which fine may be added, or with fine.

Earlier in the day, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said, Government will not tolerate any anti-national activities in the country. Speaking to a news agency, Mr Singh said, no one will be spared who raises anti-India slogans and tries to raise questions on national unity and integrity . He said, strict actions will be taken against them, who raised anti-India slogans at JNU. The Minister said, he has given necessary instructions to Delhi police commissioner to enquire about the incident.

Meanwhile, Jawaharlal Nehru University students' union president Kanhaiya Kumar was remanded in three days police custody by Delhi court in connection with a case of sedition. Yesterday, BJP MP from East Delhi Mahensh Giri had filed an FIR against the students involved in eulogizing Parliament Attack convict Afzal Guru.