Section 66 A of IT Act: Most parties welcome SC decision; JD(U), Sena disagree

JD(U) leader  Sharad Yadav disagreed saying that though he respects judiciary, it was wrong to strike down the "good" provision as freedom of speech does not mean "freedom to abuse" while Shiv Sena felt it would weaken the hands of law enforcement agencies.

The Left parties and Aam Aadmi Party accused both BJP and Congress of taking the "same anti-democratic position" on the issue in the court.

Former Union Minister P Chidambaram, who was part of the UPA government that introduced the controversial provision in 2008, welcomed the Supreme Court judgement holding Section 66A of the IT Act as unconstitutional, saying it was poorly drafted and misused.

Find Latest News from Latest India News

Sharad Yadav expresses regret over remarks against Smriti Irani

"I regret (the controversy). I respect her," he said in Rajya Sabha, after Leader of the House Arun Jaitley said a "very improper impression" had been created in the media on Yadav's remarks during a discussion in the House two days ago.    

Jaitley urged Yadav to clarify his remarks and put the controversy to rest.
   
After expressing regret and saying he respected Irani, JD(U) chief also said he had been the first person to defend Irani when the controversy over her degrees had erupted.     

Find Latest News from Latest India News

Land Bill: Opposition, in leadership of Sonia Gandhi, marches towards Rashtrapati Bhawan

Congress president Sonia Gandhi led the march which include a galaxy of politicians such as former prime ministers Manmohan Singh and H D Devegowda, JD-U President Sharad Yadav, CPI-M's Sitaram Yechury, CPI's D Raja, Trinamool Congress leader Dinesh Trivedi, SP's Ramgopal Yadav, DMK's Kanimozhi, INLD's Dushyant Chautala and RJD's Prem Chand Gupta.

Sources in the Opposition said Congress is playing a key role in the protest including the finalization of the draft of the memorandum, which will be submitted to President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday evening.

Sonia's attending the Opposition march on Tuesday is significant as neither she nor Rahul Gandhi on sabbatical, was here on Monday to lead the Congress protest against Land Acquisition at Jantar Mantar, which was a culmination of its padyatra from Bhatta Parsaul village that began four days back.

Find Latest News from Latest India News