'Nonsense': Soli Sorabjee reacts to Congress promise to repeal criminal defamation, sedition

Noted Jurist Soli Sorabjee Tuesday dubbed as "nonsense" and "impractical", the promises made by Congress party in its poll manifesto that it would repeal the colonial-era laws on criminal defamation and sedition, if voted to power in the upcoming general elections.

In the manifesto released on Tuesday, the party promised to omit Section 499 of the Indian Penal Code and make 'defamation' a civil offence.

It also said, "Sedition has been misused and, in any event, has become redundant because of subsequent laws." On being asked about his views on the Congress party's promise, Sorabjee said it is "nonsense" and such claim in "impractical".

Congress President Rahul Gandhi is facing trial in a criminal defamation case pending in Bhiwandi in Maharashtra for allegedly blaming RSS for the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi.

Sorabjee, however, refused to comment on Rahul's pending defamation case.

"I would not like to comment on that," he said.

Section 500 of the IPC holds a maximum of two years imprisonment for the offence of criminal defamation.

The offence of sedition entails a minimum and maximum punishment of three years and life imprisonment respectively, to which fine may be added.