Article 14

Championing Justice and Truth in Indian Media

Building on the work of independent journalists, the Article 14 website stands as a vital voice safeguarding democracy and upholding Article 14 of India’s constitution. The website’s motto, “The Truth Needs Telling,” characterizes their platform and devotion to unbiased reporting and journalistic integrity, reflected in its ad-free model. Founded in 2020 by Samar Halarnkar in Bangalore, Karnataka, Article 14 collaborates with journalists, lawyers, and academics to keep the justice system accountable and India’s democracy safe, vibrant, and robust. 

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, the website’s owner, Saamarasya Media LLP, provides the news outlet with financial support.  The website’s founding editor, Samar Halarnkar, who is dedicated to addressing the threats to and failures of justice in India’s legal system, draws on years of experience writing for The Times of India, Indian Express, and Hindustan Times. Previously, he was the editor of IndiaSpend. He has given lectures at the University of California, Berkeley and at Nieman Foundation, Harvard University. He also authored two books, “Nirvana Under the Rain Tree” and “The Married Man’s Guide to Creative Cooking And Other Dubious Adventures.” 

The team at Article 14 has ten editorial board members and eight people on their advisory board, all of whom are concerned with connecting their stories to the operation of the justice system. They have previously worked on commissioned research projects and in-depth investigations. By providing the site with fact-checked research and reportage, the team is dedicated to only providing true information and to steer away from the dangers of fake news.  

In a pinned video on Twitter (x), reporters of Article 14 discussed why writing for the company is unique. Kaushik Raj states, “I believe that when an editor pushes a reporter to get more and more details from the ground and not leave anything, it really improves a reporter’s information collecting skills.” Referring to the team, he says “They are emotional, compassionate, and genuine about the work they are doing”. Nikita Jain claims that Article 14 “Gives reporters all over the country a space” and Saurav Das says that the site “Fearlessly attacks stories that others might shy away from, making a meaningful impact in today’s challenging times for journalists,” 

Following a 2016 shift in India’s political economy, where the voices of journalists faced jail for opposing the government, Harlarnkar saw a need to support independent journalists. According to a February 2024 interview with Harlarnkar in The Lede (a New Lines Magazine podcast), he believes that news in India is following a trend toward a hyper-partisan media environment in which dominant, pro-government channels frequently join in government attacks on the media and echo populist efforts to denigrate minority groups. Halarnkar argues that this de-democratic shift of the media is resulting in neighbors turning on neighbors where fake news is leading to the radicalization of individuals, pointing to the need for sources like Article 14’s website. 

Frontline, a highly revered newspaper in India, in their January 12th, 2024 edition titled “The Year of Challenges,” has acknowledged Article 14’s significance, recognizing Halarnkar, who spent 21 months in jail for his journalistic efforts in conflict areas like Kashmir. Naresh Fernandes of independent media, the news website, Scroll, endorses Article 14’s weight as another important independent voice in India with a devoted following among intellectuals and the politically-aware.