IJU Welcomes Supreme Court Ruling Protecting Journalists: No Sedition for Articles or Videos, Says Apex Court

KalimNews | August 14, 2025 | New Delhi : In a landmark moment for press freedom in India, the Indian Journalists Union (IJU) has welcomed the Supreme Court's recent observations and directives as a critical reaffirmation of the constitutional protection granted to journalists. The apex court's interim relief granted to Siddharth Varadarajan, editor of The Wire, restraining the Assam Police from taking any coercive action in connection with a case related to an article on Operation Sindoor, has been hailed by the IJU as a decisive step in upholding journalistic independence.

This significant development comes in the wake of the Supreme Court’s strong observation on August 12, 2025, that a journalist’s article or video does not, prima facie, constitute an offence under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to acts endangering the unity and integrity of the country. The Court's remarks have been widely seen as a clear stand against the arbitrary and frequent use of sedition laws to stifle critical voices in the media.

By emphasizing that critical reporting does not automatically amount to a criminal offence, the Supreme Court has sent a strong message in defense of free speech and press freedom—pillars of any functioning democracy. The IJU views this development as not only a legal victory for Varadarajan but a broader win for journalists across India who increasingly face legal and institutional intimidation for fulfilling their professional responsibilities.

Geetartha Pathak, President of the Indian Journalists Union and former member of the Press Council of India, lauded the judgment, calling it a “beacon of hope” for media professionals across the nation. “The Supreme Court’s ruling is a beacon of hope for journalists across India who face increasing threats and legal intimidation for simply doing their job. By clarifying that journalistic work does not inherently attract charges of sedition, the Court has strengthened the democratic fabric of our nation. We urge authorities to respect this precedent and ensure that journalists are not harassed through the misuse of laws,” Pathak stated.

Echoing this sentiment, Sabina Inderjit, Secretary General of IJU and Vice President of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), underscored the global impact of the ruling. “This decision sends a powerful message globally that India’s judiciary stands firm in protecting press freedom. Journalists play a vital role in holding power to account, and the Supreme Court’s observation ensures that they can perform their duties without fear of retribution. We stand in solidarity with all journalists facing legal challenges and call for an end to the weaponization of laws against the media,” she said.

The IJU has commended the Supreme Court for its progressive and constitutionally grounded approach. It has further urged the government and law enforcement agencies to uphold the principles of free expression, avoid the misuse of penal provisions against journalists, and ensure a safe and fearless environment for the media to operate independently and responsibly.

At a time when the space for critical journalism is under pressure globally, this ruling stands as a testament to the enduring role of the Indian judiciary in protecting the rights of the fourth estate. The IJU reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for press freedom and ensuring that journalists across the country can report the truth without fear, censorship, or reprisal.