Overview

• Notices direct both journalists to appear before the Guwahati Crime Branch on August 22 in a probe linked to The Wire’s June 28 Operation Sindoor article, with a warning that non‑compliance could lead to arrest.
• The summons refer to FIR No. 03/2025 citing BNS Sections 152, 196, 197(1)(D)/3(6), 353, 45 and 61, and Section 152 covers acts endangering the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India after replacing the suspended IPC sedition provision.
• The Wire says the Crime Branch did not provide a dated FIR, offence particulars or a copy of the complaint with the notices, which it argues police are obliged to share.
• On August 12, the Supreme Court granted interim protection from arrest to Varadarajan and The Wire in a separate Morigaon FIR and issued notice on their petition challenging Section 152.
• A Guwahati police official said the Supreme Court order related to a case in another district, while press bodies condemned the fresh FIR as vindictive and urged withdrawal of the cases and of Section 152.