IndiaOwnership & classification
Founded: 2015
Ownership
The Wire is a non-profit digital news site launched in May 2015 by journalists Siddharth Varadarajan, Sidharth Bhatia and M.K. Venu, who initially self-funded it. It is published by the Foundation for Independent Journalism (FIJ), a not-for-profit company in which the three founding editors each hold an equal one-third stake. No corporate parent or proprietor controls it.
Funding
Financed as a non-profit through reader donations and grants rather than a proprietor; it has received multi-crore grant funding from the Independent and Public Spirited Media Foundation (IPSMF) and relies on voluntary reader contributions plus limited advertising.
Affiliation & stance
Owned by a journalist-run non-profit foundation with no party, corporate or state owner, The Wire is editorially independent and known for adversarial, investigative reporting and a left-leaning stance critical of the BJP-led government. Its non-profit, founder-controlled structure makes it INDEPENDENT (matching the site's current guess).
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Lean Progressivebased on 300
68/100
Factual
61/100
Objective
307
Articles
307
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
Jantar Mantar 2.0 Updates: CJP Promises Fresh Protests In a Week If CEC Does not Go; Hundreds Detained and Defiant in Delhi
The article reports on ongoing protests in Delhi, specifically referencing 'Jantar Mantar 2.0,' which appears to be a continuation of previous demonstrations. It mentions that the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) has promised further protests within a week if the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) does not resign. The piece highlights that hundreds of protesters have been detained but remain defiant. The tone suggests continued unrest and dissatisfaction with the current leadership, particularly regarding electoral processes.
Delhi govt withholds additional DCP charge for ACP accused of harassing journalist
The Delhi government has withheld the additional duty charge (CDC) for Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Vivek Bhagat, who is accused of sexually harassing a woman journalist during a protest against the Chief Electoral Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. Bhagat, one of 12 DANIPS officers initially assigned the CDC on Monday, voluntarily requested to delay the charge until a full inquiry into the harassment allegations is completed. The government stated that the assignment of CDC is a temporary administrative measure with no financial benefits and that officers holding the charge cannot perform statutory duties of the regular incumbent. The incident occurred during a protest where three women journalists accused Delhi Police officers of sexual harassment related to alleged irregularities in election commission operations. The Delhi Police has acknowledged the complaints and referred them to the Crime Branch for investigation.
India, Pakistan Summon Each Others Diplomats After BSF Shoots Dead Two Pakistanis
The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) shot dead two Pakistani nationals near the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, prompting both India and Pakistan to summon each other's diplomats to express their concerns. The incident occurred during a border patrol operation, and authorities confirmed the deaths. Both countries issued formal protests, highlighting the heightened tensions between them. The situation underscores the ongoing challenges in Indo-Pak relations, particularly regarding cross-border security and military conduct.
Dozen Bengal Tribunal judges flag their EC portal: ‘Can’t serve notices, hold hearings or restore deleted voters’
Judges from over a dozen tribunals in West Bengal, established under Supreme Court orders to process appeals related to deleted voters (including 27 lakh cases), have reported significant shortcomings in the digital portal provided by the Election Commission of India (EC). These include the inability to serve legal notices, upload necessary documents, conduct virtual hearings, or restore deleted voters. The issues were documented in a meeting on August 11 and shared with the EC and the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court. Despite previous reports highlighting similar problems with ECINET, the EC has yet to respond to these concerns. The lack of functionality undermines due process for affected voters.
Did not clear Form 6 change… can annul unilateral decisions: Supreme Court sends notice to Election Commission
The Supreme Court of India has sent a notice to the Election Commission of India (ECI), seeking clarification on whether changes to Form 6, used for candidate nominations, were cleared properly. A three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, emphasized that any decisions made unilaterally by the ECI could be annulled. The petitioners requested the court to review the 'original and primary records' related to the matter and declare the ongoing exercise illegal if decisions were made without consensus. While the court did not issue an immediate suspension of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), the petitioner argued that the current actions of the CEC threaten the integrity of India’s electoral system, which has functioned for 76 years. The court expressed concerns about the implications of suspending the CEC during ongoing elections but remained cautious about taking immediate action.
No Amount of Whataboutery Can Justify Process Disenfranchising Millions of Indians Citizens: Supreme Court Judge
A Supreme Court judge has criticized attempts to justify processes that disenfranchise millions of Indian citizens, emphasizing that such arguments are invalid. The statement highlights concerns over procedures that may exclude eligible voters or citizens from participating in democratic processes. The judge's remarks suggest a focus on ensuring inclusive governance and upholding the rights of all citizens. This comes amid ongoing discussions about electoral integrity and citizen participation in India.
BitChat Removal From India App Store Unconstitutional: Internet Freedom Foundation
The Internet Freedom Foundation has challenged the removal of the BitChat app from the Indian App Store, arguing that such action is unconstitutional. This development highlights concerns over digital rights and internet freedom in India. The foundation likely bases its argument on legal provisions related to free speech and digital privacy. The issue raises questions about the balance between regulatory oversight and user freedoms in the digital space.
How the Supreme Court Put Purpose Back into Chhattisgarh’s Cattle Transport Offence
The article discusses how the Indian Supreme Court reinterpreted a law related to cattle transport in Chhattisgarh, emphasizing the 'purpose' behind such actions. The court's ruling suggests that the intent or purpose of transporting cattle plays a crucial role in determining whether an offense has been committed. This interpretation could affect enforcement practices and legal outcomes for individuals involved in cattle transport. The decision highlights the judiciary's role in clarifying ambiguous legal provisions and aligns with broader discussions on animal welfare and rural livelihoods.
Saakhi | Have You Prepared Yourself a Boat?
The article titled 'Saakhi | Have You Prepared Yourself a Boat?' published by The Wire (India) appears to be a satirical piece using metaphorical language to comment on societal preparedness or resilience in the face of challenges. The headline suggests a call for individuals to prepare for uncertain times, possibly referencing social, economic, or political instability. As the content is limited to the title and no further details are provided, the article's full context and message remain unclear. The piece likely uses poetic or allegorical language to provoke thought rather than present direct news.
Politic | Is Democracy About Rulers Diktat or Peoples Rights?
The article titled 'Is Democracy About Rulers Diktat or Peoples Rights?' from The Wire explores the tension between democratic governance and authoritarian tendencies within political systems. It examines whether democracy prioritizes the rights of the people over the decisions of rulers, raising questions about the balance of power and accountability in modern democracies. The piece likely analyzes recent political developments, policies, or leadership actions that challenge democratic principles. It may reference historical precedents or current events to illustrate the debate between centralized control and popular sovereignty. The discussion could involve critiques of executive authority, legislative oversight, and civic participation in shaping governance.
Seamus Murphy and The Discipline of Distance
The article titled 'Seamus Murphy and The Discipline of Distance' published by The Wire (India) explores themes related to distance, discipline, and possibly personal or philosophical reflection through the lens of Seamus Murphy, likely referencing his work or philosophy. The piece appears to focus on concepts of maintaining emotional or physical distance as a form of self-discipline, though specific details about Murphy’s background or the exact nature of the discussion remain unclear based on the provided text. The article does not provide explicit context about Murphy’s role or the broader implications of the ideas presented.
At Niyamgiri, Policing is Paving the Way for Mining
The article discusses the situation at Niyamgiri, where local policing efforts are being used to facilitate mining activities, raising concerns among environmental activists and indigenous communities. The narrative highlights tensions between development projects and conservation efforts, emphasizing the impact on the region’s ecology and the rights of its inhabitants. It describes how law enforcement is increasingly aligning with corporate interests, undermining traditional governance structures and community-led resistance. The piece underscores the broader implications for environmental justice and the role of state power in enabling industrial expansion.
Jantar Mantar 2.0 Updates: Detained in Unmarked Car, Neha Bora Released Without Bag, Phone
Neha Bora was detained in an unmarked car and later released without her bag and phone. This incident occurred under the context of 'Jantar Mantar 2.0,' which appears to be related to protests or demonstrations in India. The situation raises concerns about the treatment of individuals during such events. Details regarding the reasons for her detention and the circumstances surrounding her release remain unclear. The incident has sparked discussions about security practices and individual rights during public gatherings.