[Sedition] Rajasthan High Court orders ‘no investigation’ on 124A charges against Aman Chopra

The Jodhpur bench of Rajasthan High Court has barred the Investigating Officer (IO) from looking into the allegations covered under Section 124A against Aman Chopra in relation to Alwar Riots.

This order was made after learned Senior counsel Sidharth Luthra and Manoj Bhandari appearing for Chopra brought the top court's decision to the notice of the bench.

A bench of Justice Dinesh Mehta issued directions considering today’s order of the Supreme Court wherein 152- year old Sedition Law (Section 124A of IPC) has been kept in abeyance till the Union Government reconsiders the provision.

An FIR had been registered against Chopra for airing a discussion show named “Desh Jhukne Nahi Denge” on April 22, 2022, at Alwar, subsequently posting it on Twitter which resulted in communal disharmony.

Chopra was booked under Section 124A (sedition), 295A (acts intended to outrage religious feelings), and 153A (promoting enmity between different groups) of the Indian Penal Code [IPC].

Justice Mehta has directed Chopra to appear before the IO, Police Station Bichhiwada, District Dungarpur on May 16, 2022, at 11:00 am.

“The IO shall carry out the investigation/interrogation by 5.00 p.m., where after the State would be free to pray for the further opportunity for investigation”, added court.

The bench ordered, “the petitioner shall not be arrested in relation to present FIR No.0147/2022 registered at Police Station Bichhiwada, District Dungarpur or in relation to any other FIR filed or likely to be filed concerning the program ‘Desh Nahi Jhukne Denge’ aired at 8.00 p.m. on April 22, 2022”.

The matter has been listed for further hearing on May 20, 2022.

Case Title: Aman Chopra v. State of Rajasthan and Anr.