JNU row: Criticism of govt can't be termed sedition, says Umar-Anirban's counsel in court

New Delhi: The Delhi Patiala House court on Wednesday reserved its order till March 18 on the bail plea of two Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) students Umar Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya , charged with sedition. 

During the argument in court, the Delhi Police counsel claimed that they have 10 independent witnesses who have testified against Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) students Umar Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya, charged with sedition. 

While opposing the bail plea of both the students, accused of shouting anti-national slogans in the university campus, Delhi Police told the court that they are not only dependent on the video footage of the incident, but also have statements of 10 independent witnesses. 

During the bail argument, Umar Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya's counsel claimed that citizens have right to criticise the govt and this criticism can't be termed as sedition.

"Citizens have right to criticise Govt,criticism of Govt can't be termed as sedition. Both (Umar and Anirban) voluntarily surrendered. High Court has taken it on record," contested the Khalid's counsel.

He also said that police have failed to find out few outsiders, accused of shouting anti-national slogans and are yet to be identified.  

"The event's venue comprised of outsiders as well. People shouting anti-national slogans haven't been identified as yet. Even the Delhi government's report suggested that the video was tampered with," said Khalid's lawyer.