Civil rights coalition terms sedition case against Kranthi Chaitanya 'arbitrary'

By A Representative

Andhra Pradesh police have arrested Kranthi Chaitanya, a senior leader of the Andhra Pradesh Civil Liberties Committee (APCLC), on charges including sedition and violations under several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, as well as laws related to national honour and use of the State Emblem.

Officials confirmed that the arrest took place while APCLC was holding its state conference. The registered offences include sections U/sec 196(1), 197(1), 152, 292, 294(2), 352, 351(3), 353, 61(2) r/w 3(5) of BNS, 2023; Section 2 of the Prevention of Insults to the National Honour Act, 1971; and provisions under the State Emblem of India Acts of 1950 and 2005.

The police have not yet released detailed information on the specific allegations, but the charges collectively pertain to sedition, improper use of national symbols, and related offences.

The arrest has drawn criticism from civil society groups. In a press statement issued on Sunday, the Campaign Against State Repression (CASR), a civil rights coalition, condemned the action, describing it as “illegal and arbitrary” and calling for Chaitanya’s immediate release. CASR argued that the use of sedition laws undermines democratic rights and reflects a broader pattern of repression against activists and organisations.

APCLC, known for its work on civil liberties and rights advocacy, has not yet released an official response.

The case is expected to draw further attention as legal proceedings unfold, with rights groups likely to continue pressing for Chaitanya’s release and withdrawal of charges.

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