In the interest of national security, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued an advisory to all media channels to refrain from showing live coverage of defence operations and movement of security forces.
All media platforms, including news agencies and social media, are advised to exercise utmost responsibility and adhere strictly to existing laws and regulations while reporting on matters concerning defence and other security-related operations.
The advisory also asked that no real-time coverage, dissemination of visuals, or reporting based on “sources-based” information related to defence operations or movement should be undertaken. Premature disclosure of sensitive information may inadvertently assist hostile elements and endanger operational effectiveness and the safety of personnel.
The advisory mentioned that past incidents have underscored the importance of responsible reporting. During events such as the Kargil war, the Mumbai terror attacks (26/11), and the Kandahar hijacking, unrestricted coverage had unintended adverse consequences on national interests.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had earlier issued advisories to all TV channels to adhere to Rule 6(1)(p) of Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021. Rule 6(1)(p) states that no programme should be carried in the cable service which contains live coverage of any anti-terrorist operation by security forces, wherein media coverage shall be restricted to periodic briefing by an officer designated by the appropriate Government, till such operation concludes.
