'Why 124A?' Bombay HC questions Mumbai Police over sedition charges against Kangana Ranaut

Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut and her sister Rangoli Chandel's plea hearing against FIR in sedition case, took place on Tuesday, November 24.

Bombay High Court summoned the sisters to appear before Bandra police station on January 8, 2021. Kangana and Rangoli are expected to be present between 12 pm and 2 pm on the Friday afternoon.

Justice SS Shinde of the Bombay HC spoke about Kangana and Rangoli's absence when summoned. When their lawyer Rizwan Siddique stated that the sisters could not be present because they were attending their brother Aksht's wedding in Himachal Pradesh, the magistrate said, "Whatever it is, you have to honour the summons."

The court has also granted the sisters interim protection from arrest. It also observed they have been charged with sedition too often.

"Are you treating citizens of the country like this? 124A?," Justice Shinde questioned Mumbai Police. He also added, "We understand other sections. But 124A?"

The court further questioned, "Why the police is invoking Section 124A IPC in such cases? In many cases, 124A is invoked. You conduct proper workshops for officers as to which sections should be invoked."

Before passing the order, he asked, "If anybody does not fall within the line of the government, will that be sedition?"

Siddique has assured the court that Kangana and Rangoli would not make any statement regarding the FIR on their social media handles.