Supreme Court Restrains Action Against Journalist Over FIR on Article

The Supreme Court has intervened to prevent Assam Police from pursuing coercive measures against senior journalist Siddharth Varadarajan concerning an FIR tied to his article on Operation Sindoor.

In a notable move, a bench consisting of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi has issued notice on a PIL filed by the Foundation for Independent Journalism. This petition challenges the constitutional validity of Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which addresses actions perceived as threats to India's sovereignty and unity. Section 152 prescribes severe penalties for such acts, including life imprisonment.

The Court has urged Varadarajan and the foundation members to cooperate fully with ongoing investigations, while also linking this case to a similar petition under review since August 8. The FIR in question followed Varadarajan's article in 'The Wire' focusing on Operation Sindoor, India's strategic retaliation against terror activities stemming from Pakistan in May.

(With inputs from agencies.)