“A wrongful arrest is a serious crime and those who arrested him should be held”
The media joined hands to condemn the arrest of cartoonist Aseem Trivedi on Sunday, with the Press Council of India chairperson Markandey Katju calling for the Mumbai Police officials who carried out the “wrongful arrest” to be put on trial themselves.
“From the information I have gathered, the cartoonist did nothing illegal, and in fact, arresting him was an illegal act. A wrongful arrest is a serious crime under the Indian Penal Code Section 342, and it is those who arrested him who should be arrested,” he told The Hindu. “Police officers, who obey such illegal orders of politicians, should be put on trial and given harsh punishment, just like the Nazi officials at the Nuremberg War Crime Tribunal,” he added.
The former Supreme Court judge questioned how the drawing of a cartoon could possibly be considered a crime, and suggested that politicians should learn to accept criticism. “Either the allegation is true, in which case you deserve it; or it is false, in which case, you ignore it. This kind of behaviour is not acceptable in a democracy,” he said.
Asked if the Press Council would take any action, Justice Katju pointed out that its mandate only includes the print media, despite his repeated recent requests to include electronic and social media.
Website blocked last year
While the cartoonist’s arrest was being condemned by several mainstream media outlets on Sunday evening, television channels are apparently following the directive of the News Broadcasters Association — which seems to have been issued last year when Mr. Trivedi’s website was blocked by police request — that the cartoons were derogatory and should not be shown.
“My own sense is that reproducing the cartoons as an act of defiance and solidarity is fine so long as there is no denigration of national symbols… The law can be a two-edged sword,” said CNN-IBN Editor-in-chief Rajdeep Sardesai. “I find it amusing, but also very dangerous that you can get away with hate speech in this country, but parody and political satire leads to immediate arrest. Why don’t they go after those who incite violence?”
Why sedition charge, asks cartoonist Unny
The Indian Express chief political cartoonist E.P. Unny said, “Cartoonists are being dragged into the limelight for all the wrong reasons these days” and wondered why cartoons should be considered seditious. “You can disagree with a cartoon, just as you can disagree with any textual matter. You may not like it, you may find it tasteless. But what is the link between an offensive cartoon and sedition? That is a very serious affair,” he said.
Fellow cartoonists across the world are also standing up for Mr. Trivedi’s rights. The Indian cartoonist is this year’s winner of Cartoonists Rights Network International’s (CRNI) Award for Courage in Editorial Cartooning to be given at the annual convention of the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists in Washington, DC on September 15. “That a government moves to arrest an anti-corruption free speech advocate on what is sure to be revealed as flimsy grounds, speaks volumes for the inability or unwillingness of the Indian government to even-handedly administer its own Constitution,” said CRNI Executive Director Robert Russell.
Mr. Trivedi’s name was trending on Twitter all through Sunday evening, as hundreds of online fans came out in support of the web cartoonist.
“‘Sedition is the highest moral duty of a citizen.’ – M.K. Gandhi who said those words would be proud of #AseemTrivedi,” tweeted online journalist Shivam Vij. “What #AseemTrivedi drew on a paper, millions draw on their hearts daily after suffering from issues like corruption. Arrest them all!” said Sakshi Sharma.
Mr. Trivedi’s cartoons had been widely used by Team Anna activists in the India Against Corruption campaign, and Arvind Kejriwal also took to Twitter to voice his support. “Cartoons cud be in bad taste but is that ‘sedition’? Can someone be arrested for that? We fully support Aseem and criticize Govt action,” he said.
Several Twitterati immediately adopted a Trivedi cartoon as their Twitter icon, including actor Sonam Kapoor, who tweeted: “If this is the present state of our country I’m petrified for our future.”
Others voiced their opposition. “Just like corruption is not cool, anti India sentiments are not cool either,” said Nyktrivedi. “Should we blame the Indian Constitution if its implementers are corrupt? Freedom of Expression is given for a purpose, to be used with responsibility. Should not become a mockery tool,” a user posted with the twitter handle babasaheb_org.
Like him or not, the arrest has merely whipped up extra attention for the cartoonist. “Now that he is arrested. Those of us who hadn’t heard of him are laughing at his cartoons. Hopefully, now his cartoons will get world wide circulation,” said Rita Pal.
Is this really a democratic country where communal inciter like Udhav Thackery is allowed to give hate speeches & a harmless cartoonist is arrested?
Arrest of cartoonist Aseem Trivedi shows that in 1947 only Indian politician got independence from the British rule but not common Indian people had not get freedom yet from these politician
India got independence but Indian's not!
THAT'S BY WE CALL "EAST OR WEST INDIA IS BEST"
Here is a man who said that the emperor has no cloths and he is punished for for saying so !
The reality still stands - the emperor 'has' no cloths!!!!
Farmer's are being sent to jail after being labled maoists. Cartoonists and activists are being charged with sedition.
Books are being editied / revised / to appease populist sentiments or otherwise. Politicians and officials are shirking responsibility. Arrogant inaction on issues - price hike, drought - influencing the citizens is the norm.
Why are certain works of fiction (1984, Farenheit 451) looking like a possibility in the near future. Or is this how citizens of dictatorships feel.
We don't have much of Democracy or freedom of Indian citizens in our
mind-sets. You open your mouth - you can be branded as a Maoist.You
draw a silly cartoon with all Nationalistic fervour. You can be
charged with sedition. Even Journalists face violence for their
criticism. Speak or write some criticism on a Politician, I "will see
You" will come immediately from him - and this culture is deep in the
blood of many politicians.
FREEDOM is not real - if there is no freedom to criticize Politicians.
This is the most important and most valuable freedom that must be
enjoyed by all CITIZENS. Constructive criticism will come later,
automatically - if Politicians behave responsibly.
If so many SCAMS and so much violence is there, How can there be any
constructive criticism?
People here in support of Aseem Trivedi, I am not sure whether they have
actually seen his cartoons. They are downright disgrace to the honour of
freedom of speech to say the least. Now I am as much opposed to
corruption as anyone here but I cannot support Mr. Trivedi. I am not
sure about the arrest but somebody does have to give him a slap or two.
It's a shame that we are using such ridiculous banners in what was
supposed to be Gandhian war against corruption.
What I feel is that our low is really blind and it is useless to say
we are in democratic country. These politicians has ruined our great
nation. Our great leaders who fought for independence and given their
life would had not even thought that our politicians will bring the
country in this state. What Trivedi has done i can not appereciate
that because at least he should not cross the limit and make such
cartoons which is directly hitting our constitution and national flag.
But behind that our law should not punish a cartunist who is against
corruption and done great Job through their cartoon to bring awareness
in people. He should not be treated like terrorist. It is really bad
for our democracy. Political pary must accept criticism and nothing
wrong that Indaian Politics is too corrupt now. Pse for God sake save
our Nation from these politicians
In the name of protecting constitutional institutions politicians across
board are trying to hide their corruption though they themselves are
attacking an important constitutional institution like CAG.What about
their own double speaking. Only a corrupt and autocratic minded people
can see foul play in an artistic expression that creates awareness in
the masses with humor and wit to clean the system.
The late pandit Nehru has had such criticism in cartoons and taken them very lightly ignoring hatred or any animosity over such things. Presen tregimes have no patience.
I withdraw my comment sent about an hour back as I referred in a
hurry to Sec 121 IPC providing for the offense of waging war
against the Government et cetera and the punishment thereof.The
indictment in the remand report against Mr. Trividi was one under
Sec 124 IPC which is equally a grave charge if proved would
entail life imprisonment. Any accused facing grave charge as per
the one-sided material at the initial stage will have tough time
getting bail. So even at the time of citing, the police should be
circumspect. It is not professional to mechanically select major
offences to arraign against an accused person and on the other
hand they should evaluate the material for the purpose of setting
out proper charges. It is in this context that the relevancy of
"sedition" calls for a closer scrutiny as reckless aggravation of
a charge though amenable to correction by the court at the time
of framing charge it will be too late. In this case after all it
is merely a cartoon excess.
Congress leaders made the democracy of this country farcical.Today they
attacked cartoonist next day to journalist.So journalist be aware.
Perhaps India is only country where the national flag is burnt, national
emblem is derogatorily distorted and the accused has a bandwagon of
supporters. In the name of freedom of expression, some are misusing
it.They have gone to the extent of not sparing the nation. All have the
liberty to have a dig at father of nation every time. One simple
question, the so called champion of freedom of expression seldom has
thick skin when they have to burnt the others ire.Everything has a
limit. And there should be a LAXMANREKHA to the practice.
As soon as I heard about the arrest of Aseem Trevedi ,it was a shock for me as being true ,"Indian Citizen". Now a days the UPA Government must shame on these kind of strategy to handle the members of I A C.The Government ,itself insulting Indian Constitution by abolition of rights of freedom.THis situation is same as in 1975 emergency when Article 21of Indian Constitution was totly banned.These kind of actions of Congress prove that this party want only power in Centre and whoever opposes ,will be punished wright or wrong ,it does not matter.
I saw the cartoon too!! thanks to Mumbai police we know better about
both the cartoon and the cartoonist...
I clearly do not understand why does he say that police officials should be arrested. Somebody filed a complaint,they are acting on it.
First of all, he says, he has gathered some information, which may not be totally true.
Second, he does not talk about the IPC sections implied. This is a bullish behaviour on his part.
Mamta Banerjee seems to show the way forward for UPA!!!!!
Unless police sees theselves as independent of the politicians and have the courage to
stand against them and refuse to play second fiddle to them, such incidents would keep
repeating. Truly,the police is an extension of the judicial arm of the Government and if the
Government in office finds that the rule of law is not followed, they must then instigate the
judicial hierarchy to attend to the matter. Other than the Atorney General, other people in
Governance in the Assembly and in the Parliament should not have any direct business with
the Police. One must demand and get the needed independence for the police and train
them to assume more responsible ways than the archaic practices they indulge in currently
as though they are in a feudelistic State! The action taken against the cartoonist amounts to
challenging the personal rights and rights of expression under the constitution! A sad
reflection of the timber of democracy in India!
@helpless indian:arrest anybody for pointing out corruption and give bharat ratna for people doing corruption as they are doing service to the nation.It looks like every regime has an end.Now, congress obituary has started to be made to order.
It’s a dangerous trend that we are increasingly becoming intolerant day by day. It’s high time to inculcate the lesson of respecting the critics and criticism. Otherwise what is the difference between a democracy and tyrannical state? We should proud about our Press council of India chairman Justice Markanteya Katju for raising this issue and the solidarity that he expressed to Mr.Aseem Trivedi. I am fully supporting Mr.Katju for his demand of including electronic and social media under the purview of Press council of India.
Is there any humanity left in India? Only honesty and that of
President PM VP Speaker Queen crown prince...? It is long past due
that Indians must show too 'Interest in Truth' - Satyagraha and resist
this form of 'Parliamentary Democracy'. Can truth be replaced by law?
Is there no intellect left in our Government? I am apolitical all my
life. I am outside India, yet I can't stop expressing - I am sick - I
know I am sick but my sickness has no cure - I am Indian by my birth,
my ancestry, by language, by living, by its exposition of eternal
truth - 'Freedom and every human must REALIZE Freedom'. How any can
remain shut up while I can't?
The cartoons had the cartoonist arrested. Now thats a funny story.
India is a democratic country , only on pen and paper . This country is no more for common/poor/non-political men.
yes.Due to this action the cartoon got world popularity. so the credit
goes to police and politicians than popularizing this material of this
artist. Freedom of- speech;writing; and expression is not understand by
this people of this country very well and that too politicians and
police people. when the awareness will come to this country?
The cartoonist in his cartoons has certainly insulted Mother India,The
Asoka Pillar and the sacred Parliament House.By his anti politician
mindset typical of Anna followers the cartoonist has displayed his
contempt for democracy.Press certainly is free but the freedom
certainly should not be misused by drawing cartoon depicting Ajmal
Kasab urinating on the Indian Constitution.All his cartoons are not in
good taste.Being a journalist he should understand that summary
justice to Kasab is not possible under the law of the land.In my
opinion action of Maharashtra Police is perfectly legal.I feel the
Maharashtra home minister and the police need not be apologetic in
this case.
I was following recent spate of incidences of intolerance to cartoons and the moral policing in the name of Hindu culture and Indian nationalism. India seems to be in league with our neighbouring country Pakistan in this respect. Polling by the Pew Research Centre suggests that Pakistanis take a hard line on religious matters these days. It may be that they always did, and that the elite failed to notice. A polling in India may throw results in similar lines and again the liberal elite will be impotent observers.
Words are unnecessary - Mr. Keshav's cartoon says it all. Kudos to Mr. Kesav for a great cartoon.
I never saw this cartoon.
Can someone give me a link to it ?
yet another dance of democracy....
Such intolerance. Let's come into the 21st century, shall we?
He should be severely punished. When a hindu godess is represented in
an inappropriate manner by a certain artist, he was forced to leave
the country, for the fear of his life. When a cartoonist draws the
prophet, “fatwas” are ordered against him. Freedom of Speech and
Expression makes a quiet back door exit, why ? because a communal
sentiments are hurt. What about the sentiments of those who love their
county the most.Readers pls have a look at Mr. Trivedi’s cartoons by
searching in Google. Puns on politicians are fine, but what saddens
me in particular are his sketches depicting “ Gang rape of mother
India”, ”Bhrashtamev Jayate ( a ridicule of the Emblem)”; “Kasab
pissing on the Constitution” !! Freedom of Speech and Expression are
to be practised within the parameters of decency and morality.On
Facebook you will find misleading articles on great leaders like
Gandhiji, Chacha Nehru; the gibberish backed by no facts!!Pls stop
this, Our country’s symbols and dignity must be protected.
Are we heading to another 'Emergency'?
Shame on the Mumbai Police and their political bosses. This is the true (ugly) face of the Police and political class in this country. My heart goes out for the arrested activist. My request to Hindu is to keep this issue alive in the news as long as he is released with all the charges dismissed.
sedition is act of loot being done these days. pl calculate total amount, every indian is poorer by that amount.
This is purely an act of criticizing the Fundamental Right of Freedom to express their views.
If this is right, What I can understand is that All Opposition Leaders are to be arrested and should be sent to jail bcoz What they do is the same as Mr Aseem did (Expressed his views, merely).
It is Constitution which authorizes not only opposition but also every Citizen of India to express his own views....
Media should try to monitor these type of cases regularly, So that some thing constructive can be done. They should continue to attract the attention of public everyday regarding such Unconstitutional Activities by our Leaders Bcoz Juntaa jald hi sab kuch bhool jaati hay, This boosts the morale of politician
This arrest is so stupid, so dumb, so immoral and so undemocratic that I am convinced our country is being run by morons. The amount of recognition and views of his cartoons must have gone up a at least thousandfold since his arrest yesterday.
some times cartoonists mind goes aastray..they produce really ugly cartoons.
How about bringing about a simple legislation - that a chain of command must be established for such an order to be issued? This would entail all those responsible to first put their names down and would curb malicious misuse of power. The message of the cartoon is forgotten but the messenger is being arrested? How incredibly mature of our leaders!!
This is EMERGENCY without an official proclamation!
Love you Aseem Trivedi and your cartoons!!!
Very commendable action by the PCI. When the party in power is riducled or criticized, the powers that be attack the person(s) and organisations behind such person(s). Emergency in a round about way. Hundreds of people are arrested daily by the police on trumped of charges with no recourse to justice unless the police take pity and release them. Can the press highlight such incidents and 'police' the police?
The response to a Cartoon should be another Cartoon, not arrests, not lathis, not restraints. The 'motivation' behind this action must be brought to light. That work is for the media to pursue.
Letting symbols of our Nation down even a bit should not be tolerated. There is a lot of difference between these pillars and people representing these pillars. Sarcasm towards these people cannot be construed as sarcasm against these pillars.
You cannot extinguish the light of enlightenment with terror or bullets I am a SCIENTIST.
Power corrupts man and absolute power absolutely.That is what we have been witnessing in this country.Even after 65 years of independence our political class haven't learnt to respect fundamental rights especially freedom of expression in a democratic polity.At the slightest provocation they become intolerant.If they are in power they misuse their official position and the officials to intimidate and suppress the voice of dissent.If in the opposition they set their henchmen to teach lessons to their critics.They should also remember that we are not living in an authoritarian state and they are reluctant to sue those inciting violence on the basis of region etc.,If the cartoonist has committed something serious against the state he should be punished through due process of law and pre-trial arrest as if he is a hardened criminal is a naked abuse of power and deserves to be condemned since those who loot the country which is worse than sedition avoid arrest,trial etc. G.Kulandaivelu,
Is this the republican democracy, in which a carttonist can be jailed,anybody criticising constitution is gagged as an antisocial in the name of social justice-but people who are using panchayats to hang people undertaking love marraige getting scot free in the name of social stability.
Why then are we blaming Taliban, are these rulers not akin to taliban?
Cartoons by their very nature are meant to be critical and funny and are not meant to be taken very seriously as the intent is to portray things in a humorous vein. In the instant case undue haste seems to have been shown in hauling the cartoonist over the coals. As CNN-IBN editor Rajdeep Sardesai has rightly opined those who openly incite violence and spew venom are spared while a harmless cartoon becomes an occasion to raise Cain. What a sad state of affairs.
Police officers, who obey such illegal orders of politicians, should be put on trial and given harsh punishment. Why is it that the politician is not arrested for this and given harsh punishment? Please bring in front the name of minister.
Please Email the Editor