The dangerous wiring together of a ‘conspiracy’ , Pg6

Key Highlights:

• An FIR was filed in Guwahati, Assam on May 9, 2025, against journalists Karan Thapar and Siddharth Varadarajan of The Wire, accusing them of undermining national security.
• The FIR is based on allegedly offensive video interviews and articles published by The Wire.
• The Supreme Court has directed that no coercive action be taken against the journalists.
• Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which replaced sedition, is being used in this case, raising concerns about its potential misuse.

Detailed Insights:

• The author argues that the FIR against the journalists is based on the complainant's opinion and does not constitute an actual offense under the BNS.
• Section 152 of the BNS, which deals with endangering the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India, is seen as a replacement for the repealed sedition law.
• The summons issued to the journalists can have a freezing effect on press freedom, discouraging critical reporting on government policies.
• The author highlights the financial burden and inconvenience faced by journalists summoned for questioning, especially when the complaints are frivolous.
• The Assam police's actions, including the delay in providing a copy of the FIR, are criticized for defying the mandate of the Supreme Court.
• The author questions whether Section 152 of the BNS should remain in the statute book and emphasizes the need for police accountability.

Key Concepts Involved:

• First Information Report (FIR): A written document prepared by the police when they receive information about the commission of a cognizable offense.
• Sedition: Conduct or speech inciting people to rebel against the authority of a state.
• Press Freedom: The right of journalists to report news without fear of censorship or retaliation.
• Accountability Jurisprudence: The legal and ethical principles that hold individuals and institutions responsible for their actions.