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.

Neville Cardus: The man who turned cricket writing into poetry

By Harsh Thakor* Neville Cardus was one of the most remarkable literary figures of the twentieth century. A prolific English writer and critic, he achieved distinction in two vastly different fields: cricket and classical music. Entirely self-taught, Cardus rose from humble beginnings to become both the cricket correspondent and chief music critic of The Manchester Guardian . His achievements in these contrasting disciplines earned him widespread acclaim and established him as one of the foremost critics of his generation. In February 2025, the cricketing and literary world marked the fiftieth anniversary of his death, which occurred in February 1975.

Ideological shifts and structural realities within India's left-wing insurgency

By Harsh Thakor* The Maoist insurgency in India is arguably at its weakest point since the formation of the Communist Party of India (Maoist) in 2004. Years of sustained counterinsurgency operations, leadership losses, shrinking territorial influence, declining recruitment, and growing technological advantages enjoyed by the state have significantly eroded the movement's operational capabilities.

The Dalit body on screen: Stereotypes, sacrifice, and subjugation in Hindi films

By Dr. Prem Singh* Despite centuries of reformist efforts, from Gandhi and Ambedkar to contemporary activists, the caste system remains deeply embedded in the Indian psyche. One of the primary reasons for this persistence is the religious sanction provided by Brahminical scriptures, which have shaped not only social structures but also cultural and artistic expressions.

Counterview

Search This Blog