The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has called upon all media platforms, news agencies, and social media users to exercise restraint while reporting on defence operations and security forces’ movements.
The advisory emphasises the paramount importance of national security and urges compliance with existing laws and guidelines.
The Ministry specifically outlined that there should be no live coverage, visuals, or dissemination of “sources-based” information related to defence operations. Such reporting, it cautioned, could inadvertently assist hostile entities and compromise operational effectiveness and personnel safety.
Citing past incidents like the Kargil war, the Mumbai terror attacks, and the Kandahar hijacking, the advisory highlighted how unrestricted reporting had adversely impacted national interests. To prevent recurrence, the media is directed to adhere strictly to Rule 6(1)(p) of the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021, which restricts live coverage of anti-terrorist operations. Reports should be limited to periodic briefings by designated officials until the conclusion of such operations.
The advisory reminds media and digital platforms of their legal and moral responsibility to safeguard ongoing operations and uphold national security. Stakeholders have been urged to maintain vigilance, sensitivity, and responsibility in their reportage.
- In the interest of national security, all media platforms, news agencies, and social media users are advised to exercise the utmost responsibility and adhere strictly to existing laws and regulations when reporting on matters concerning defence and other security-related operations.
- Specifically, no real-time coverage, dissemination of visuals, or reporting based on “source-based” information related to defence operations or movements should be undertaken. Premature disclosure of sensitive information may inadvertently assist hostile elements and jeopardise operational effectiveness and the safety of personnel.
- Past incidents have highlighted the importance of responsible reporting. Events such as the Kargil War, the Mumbai terror attacks (26/11), and the Kandahar hijacking demonstrated that unrestricted coverage can have unintended adverse consequences on national interests.
- Media, digital platforms, and individuals play a crucial role in safeguarding national security. Beyond legal obligations, it is a shared moral responsibility to ensure that our collective actions do not compromise ongoing operations or the safety of our forces.
- The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has previously issued advisories to all TV channels to comply with Rule 6(1)(p) of the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021. Rule 6(1)(p) states that “no program should be carried in the cable service that contains live coverage of any anti-terrorist operation by security forces. Media coverage shall be restricted to periodic briefings by an officer designated by the appropriate government until such operation concludes.”
- Telecasting live coverage of anti-terrorist operations is a violation of the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021, and is subject to legal action. Therefore, all TV channels are advised against broadcasting live coverage of anti-terrorist operations and movements by security forces in the interest of national security. Media coverage may be limited to periodic briefings by a designated government officer until the operation concludes.
- All stakeholders are requested to maintain vigilance, sensitivity, and responsibility in their coverage, upholding the highest standards in service to the nation.
- This advisory is issued with the approval of the competent authority in the Ministry.
