09 May , 2025 By : Debdeep Gupta
India-Pakistan war: In light of the ongoing war against Pakistan, the government on Friday advised all media channels, digital platforms and individuals to refrain from live coverage or real-time reporting of defence operations and movement of security forces.
The advisory states that disclosure of sensitive or source-based information regarding Operation Sindoor may jeopardise operational effectiveness and endanger lives.
Recalling past incidents like the Kargil war, the 2008 Mumbai attacks, and the 1999 Kandahar hijacking, the Information and Broadcasting ministry pointed out the risks of "premature reporting".
Referring to the corresponding laws— clause 6(1)(p) of the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021— the advisory stated that only periodic briefings by designated officials are permitted during anti-terror operations, such as the prevalent times. It urged all media channels, digital platforms and individuals to exercise vigilance, sensitivity, and responsibility in coverage, while upholding the highest standards in the service of the nation.
No live coverage or real-time reporting of defence operations and soldiers movement: Full text
The advisory shared by the ministry says —
1. In the interest of national security, all media platforms, news agencies, and social media users 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.
2. Specifically, there should be 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.
3. 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.
4. Media, digital platforms, and individuals play a vital role in safeguarding national security. 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.
5. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has already issued advisories to all TV channels to adhere to Rule 6(1)(p) of the 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.”
6. Such telecast violates the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021 and is liable for action thereunder. Therefore, all TV channels are advised not to telecast live coverage of anti-terrorist operations and movement by the security forces in the interest of national security. Media coverage may be restricted to periodic briefings by an officer designated by the appropriate Government till such operation concludes.
7. All stakeholders are requested to continue exercising vigilance, sensitivity, and responsibility in coverage, upholding the highest standards in the service of the nation.
8. These issues with the approval of the competent authority in the Ministry.
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