Aseem Trivedi arrest: Cartoonists must know their limits, warns police

Mumbai: Even as the debate over cartoonist Aseem Trivedi's arrest continues, the Mumbai Police maintains that cartoonists must know their limits. Mumbai Police Commissioner Dr Satyapal Singh has said, "I can't say if the charges will be dropped or not. We don't need him anymore for the investigation. This is not a big case. I would like to give a message to artists and cartoonists that they should not cross limits."

Mumbai Police did a flip flop on Aseem on Monday, giving up his custody in court. However, Aseem was sent to jail till September 24 as he refused to apply for bail till sedition charges were dropped against him. Aseem has vowed not to apply for bail until the sedition charge against him is dropped.

"I am not seeking bail because I am proud of whatever I did, and this I will do it repeatedly. I am not a criminal that I should deposit money and seek bail, but till the time the charges of sedition are not dropped against me, I will continue to be in jail", said a statement in Hindi purported to be written by Trivedi in jail.

Meanwhile, cartoonist Aseem Trivedi has vowed not to apply for bail till the sedition charge against him is dropped.

The statement was circulated outside the Court by volunteers of India Against Corruption(IAC), which organised Anna Hazare's rally last year.

The Kanpur-based artist has been accused of putting up banners mocking the Constitution during a rally of anti- corruption crusader Anna Hazare in Mumbai late last year and posting the same on his website.

Trivedi was arrested on the basis of a complaint filed by a member of Republican Party of India, Amit Katarnayea.

As the arrest sparked condemnation by some political parties and activists, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni said though the Constitution ensures freedom of expression it also lays down that every citizen must respect the national symbols.

Big Questions:

- Is it probable that as the Maharashtra Home Minister, RR Patil didn't know about police's action?

- Is RR Patil passing the blame on police after drawing flak?

- Is the sedition law being blatantly misused by the government?

- Is it time the British-era sedition law be changed?

- Has sedition law been repeatedly misused by governments across party lines?

(With additional information from PTI)

Also See

• Cartoonist Aseem Trivedi sent to jail, Justice Katju says arrest policemen
• Cartoonist Aseem Trivedi vows not to apply for bail

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