Syed Ali Shah Geelani & Arundhati Roy Comments may book them for sedition

Jammu & Kashmir separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani and activist Arundhati Roy could be booked for their anti- India speeches in Delhi last week. A case has been made out in this regard but action will be taken only after a political consensus is reached, informed government sources.

“ Delhi Police have got legal opinion that a case under Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code, which is sedition, is made out against the speakers at the Convention on Kashmir at LPT Auditorium near Mandi House on October 21. A criminal case can hence be lodged. But we are waiting for a political decision on this… as it might be construed in certain political quarters that unnecessary importance and leverage is being given to such elements by way of this action,” a source in the government said on Monday.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is out of the country on a tour and a decision could perhaps be taken after he returns. Under sedition, if convicted, one can get a sentence of up to life imprisonment. The IPC does not apply to J& K but since Geelani made the speech in Delhi, he can be charged under IPC, the source said.

Geelani has already been put under house arrest following his return to Srinagar. Delhi Police, though, are hesitant to register a case against Geelani and Roy and will only carry out the order if they get the nod from the Centre.