New Delhi, March 03:
Expression of views that are different from government opinion cannot be termed “sedition”, the Supreme Court said today, dismissing a petition against Jammu and Kashmir MP Farooq Abdullah.
“Expression of views which are dissent and different from government opinion cannot be termed as seditious,” said the top court.
The petitioner, said the Supreme Court, failed to substantiate his allegation that Farooq Abdullah had sought the help of China and Pakistan against India on Article 370 on special status for Jammu and Kashmir, which was scrapped in August 2019.
The petitioner was fined ₹ 50,000.
The petition against the National Conference leader is linked to his comments protesting against the centre’s move to end special status to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370.
