LAHORE: Justice Shahid Karim of the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday annulled Section 124-A, of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), dealing with sedition.
The order of the court came on a set of petitions filed by citizens challenging the sedition law on grounds that the government used it against its rivals.
Justice Karim pronounced the judgment today which was reserved on the petitions of Selman Abuzar Niazi and others.
The petitions had challenged the registration of cases under sedition provisions against those who spoke against the government.
It was argued in the petition that the sedition act was enacted in 1860 which is a sign of British colonial rule.
It added that this law was used for slaves under which a case can be registered on anyone’s request.
It was stated in the petition that the Constitution of Pakistan gives every citizen the right to freedom of expression but still, Section 124-A is imposed for making speeches against the rulers.
According to the petitioners, Section 124-A of sedition is being used for political purposes and should be struck down.
