India, Feb. 19 -- The Union government has warned government officials that sharing "classified/sensitive" information with media could attract proceedings under the Official Secrets Act (OSA).

Last month, the Ministry of Home Affairs circulated a classified note to secretaries of all ministries and departments, updating a circular sent out 28 years ago, by adding the threat of proceedings under OSA, people familiar with the matter said, briefing Hindustan Times on the contents of the note. The circular mentioned that it was prompted by a "spurt in the incidents of leakage of sensitive information to unauthorized or undesirable elements having potential of jeopardizing the overall national interest and security besides being a source of ...