NEW DELHI: The Law Commission on Thursday released a consultation paper on sedition laws in India and said while they were essential to protect national integrity, they should not be misused as tools to curb free speech .

“Dissent and criticism are essential ingredients of a robust public debate as part of vibrant democracy . Therefore, every restriction on free speech must be carefully scrutinised to avoid unwarranted restrictions,” the paper said.

It further said Section 124A should be invoked only in cases where the intention behind any act was to disrupt public order or to overthrow the government with violence and illegal means.

