New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I & B) on Saturday issued an advisory directing all media platforms, including TV channels, to refrain from broadcasting live coverage of defence operations and movement of security forces.
The advisory, which extends to news agencies, digital platforms and social media users, emphasises the need for utmost caution and responsibility in reporting matters related to national security in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 innocent non-Muslim male civilians were brutally shot dead at Baisaran valley.
“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 I & B Ministry stated in its advisory.
The government pointed out that during the Kargil war, 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and he Kandahar hijacking, “unrestricted coverage had unintended adverse consequences on national interests,” which underscored the importance of responsible reporting.
The advisory reminded all TV channels must adhere to Rule 6(1)(p) of Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021) — “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.”
Such telecast is in violation of Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021 and liable for action. “Therefore, all TV channels are advised not to telecast live coverage of anti-terrorist operation and movement by the security forces in interest of national security such operation concludes,” the advisory stated.
“Apart from the legal obligations, it is a shared moral responsibility to ensure that our collective actions do not compromise ongoing operations or the security of our forces.”
The I & B ministry added that “all stakeholders are requested to continue exercising vigilance, sensitivity, and responsibility in coverage, upholding the highest standards in the service of the nation.”
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issues advisory to all Media channels to refrain from showing live coverage of defence operations and movement of security forces in the interest of national security. pic.twitter.com/MQjPvlexdr
— Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) April 26, 2025
