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The Wire & Siddharth Varadarajan’s Petition Against Section 152 of BNS: What’s the Case Before the Supreme Court?

By Gireesh Vasishta
The Wire & Siddharth Varadarajan’s Petition Against Section 152 of BNS: What’s the Case Before the Supreme Court?

The Wire is an Indian digital news platform launched in 2015, operated by the Foundation for Independent Journalism, a non-profit organization.

The Supreme Court of India is currently hearing a writ petition filed by the Foundation for Independent Journalism, which operates the digital news portal The Wire, along with its Founding Editor, Siddharth Varadarajan. The petition challenges Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, which has been criticized for effectively reintroducing the sedition law, previously embodied in Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Despite the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to suspend trials under Section 124A and government assurances of repealing the sedition law, Section 152 of the BNS is argued to retain similar elements, potentially criminalizing legitimate dissent and free expression.PALAY® Straw Hat Sun Hats for Women,Wide Brim Cap Beach Hat for Women Stylish UV Protection Cap,Summer Packable Travel Sun Visor Hat - UPF 50+

The petition contends that Section 152’s vague language and broad scope could be misused to suppress freedom of speech, particularly for journalists and media outlets. It follows concerns raised in cases like Tejender Pal Singh v. State of Rajasthan (2024), where the Rajasthan High Court cautioned against using Section 152 to stifle dissent, emphasizing that its application must be limited to acts with a clear intent to incite rebellion or endanger national sovereignty. The petitioners argue that the provision risks creating a chilling effect on press freedom, echoing issues faced by The Wire in prior legal battles, such as FIRs filed against its journalists in Uttar Pradesh for reporting on sensitive issues.

The Wire is an Indian digital news platform launched in 2015, operated by the Foundation for Independent Journalism, a non-profit organization. It is known for its investigative and in-depth journalism, covering politics, society, economy, environment, and culture, often with a focus on marginalized communities and critical perspectives on governance. also read:Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s Condemnation of Al Jazeera Journalists’ K***ing! Here is the https://www.insightrush.news/article/689adbb896b405963bae5fa4
The platform is led by Founding Editors Siddharth Varadarajan, M.K. Venu, and Sidharth Bhatia, and it publishes in English, Hindi, and other Indian languages.The Wire has faced legal challenges, including FIRs against its journalists in Uttar Pradesh for reporting on issues like the Hathras case, highlighting tensions with authorities over press freedom. It is currently involved in a Supreme Court petition challenging Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, which critics argue reinstates sedition-like provisions, potentially threatening free speech. The Wire operates on a reader-supported model, emphasizing independent journalism free from corporate or government influence.