Centre Bans Live Coverage of Defence Ops, I&B Ministry Issues Advisory

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Friday issued an advisory to all media channels regarding live coverage of defense operations. They have instructed to avoid live coverage of defense operations and activities of security forces.

The Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said in the order, "All media channels are advised to refrain from showing live coverage of defense operations and movement of security forces. In the interest of national security, all media platforms, news agencies and social media users are requested to exercise utmost responsibility while reporting defense and other security related operations and strictly follow the existing laws and rules."

He further said, “Real-time coverage, dissemination of visuals or reporting of source-based information, particularly related to defence operations or activities of security forces, should not be done. Premature disclosure of sensitive information may inadvertently aid enemy elements and jeopardise operational effectiveness and the safety of personnel. Past incidents have underscored the importance of responsible reporting. Uncontrolled coverage in cases such as the Kargil war, Mumbai terror attacks (26/11) and the Kandahar hijacking had impacted national interests. The media, digital platforms and individuals play a vital role in protecting national security. Apart from legal obligations, it is our shared moral responsibility to ensure that our collective actions do not jeopardise ongoing operations or the safety of our forces.”

The order said that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has already issued an advisory 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 programme shall be broadcast in the cable service which contains live coverage of anti-terrorist operation by security forces, such media coverage shall be limited only to the information provided from time to time by the officer designated by the appropriate government, until the operation is over.

He said, "Such broadcast is in violation of the Cable Television Network (Amendment) Rules, 2021 and action can be taken under it. Therefore, all TV channels are advised not to broadcast live coverage of anti-terrorism operations and activities of security forces in the interest of national security. All stakeholders are requested to continue to exercise vigilance, sensitivity and responsibility in coverage and follow the highest standards in serving the nation. This order has been issued with the approval of the competent authority of the Ministry."

The Ministry of Defense has also appealed by sharing this order on its X account. He wrote on X, "All media channels, digital platforms and individuals are requested to avoid live coverage or real-time reporting of defense operations and activities of security forces. Disclosing such sensitive or source-based information may jeopardize the operation and put people's lives at risk."