Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Monday said Delhi Police not filing a case against noted writer Arundhati Roy for her alleged seditious speech recently was in accordance with the letter and spirit of law.
The Home Minister was addressing a press conference while presenting his ministry’s monthly progress report for October.
On a question if the Delhi Police would file a case against Booker prize-winning writer Arundhati Roy for her remarks on Jammu and Kashmir at a seminar in the Capital recently, Mr. Chidambaram said the police not filing a case against her alleged seditious speech was in accordance with the letter and spirit of law.
"Not taking action is also an action,’’ he said responding to a question.
"Section 124(A) of the Indian Penal Code (related to sedition) is for deterrence and punishment. The spirit of the law and true interpretation of law is that unless there is direct incitement to violence, the State must show tolerance and forbearance. Delhi Police is acting in accordance with the letter and spirit of the law,’’ he said.
To another question about a demonstration outside the writer's residence here by BJP women cell activists, Mr. Chidambaram said, "I do not think there was any attack on her residence. If there is a specific request, we will provide her security.’’
