No Live Broadcasts of Military Actions: I&B Ministry directs all media platforms to refrain from live coverage of defence and anti-terror operations to safeguard operational integrity.
In a significant move aimed at safeguarding national security, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) has issued an advisory to all media platforms—television channels, news agencies, digital outlets, and social media users—urging them to exercise utmost caution and restraint while reporting on defence and security-related operations.
The Ministry specifically directed that there should be no live telecast or real-time dissemination of military operations, troop movements, or anti-terrorist activities. It cited national security as the primary concern behind the advisory.
“All TV channels are therefore advised not to telecast live coverage of anti-terrorist operations or the movement of security forces in the interest of national security,” the advisory emphasized. The Ministry warned that violation of these norms could invite strict legal action.
Advisory Refers to Existing Legal Provisions
The advisory is not a standalone instruction but reaffirms existing legal frameworks. It specifically referred to Rule 6(1)(p) of the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021, which clearly prohibits live coverage of anti-terrorist operations. The rule states:
“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.”
The Ministry reiterated that until the conclusion of operations, all reporting must rely solely on verified briefings from designated officers, not on real-time updates from the ground or “source-based” information.
Lessons from the Past
Drawing from historical experiences, the I&B Ministry pointed to incidents like the Kargil conflict (1999), the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks (2008), and the Kandahar hijacking (1999) to underscore the dangers of unrestricted media coverage during sensitive security operations. During these crises, live broadcasts inadvertently provided operational intelligence to hostile elements, complicating rescue efforts and jeopardizing the lives of civilians and security personnel.
“The past has shown that premature disclosure of sensitive operational details can assist hostile actors, compromise missions, and endanger the safety of our security forces,” the Ministry’s communication noted.
Scope and Impact of the Advisory
The advisory covers all forms of media—traditional broadcast channels, online news portals, social media accounts, and even individual users who post content online.
The government has expressly prohibited:
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Live reporting from sensitive operational locations
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Broadcasting real-time visuals of military activities
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Disseminating source-based or unverified information during ongoing security actions
In an era where digital content can go viral within seconds, the advisory is seen as a necessary precaution to prevent the unintended leaking of critical operational intelligence.
Media’s Role in National Security
While emphasizing the legal consequences of violations, the Ministry also appealed to the media’s sense of national responsibility.
“Beyond the legal obligations, it is a shared moral duty to ensure that collective actions do not compromise the integrity of ongoing operations or endanger the lives of security forces,” the advisory stated.
The Ministry highlighted that the media is a critical stakeholder in national security, and its responsible conduct is essential to safeguarding the nation’s interests during times of crisis.
Potential Legal Consequences
The I&B Ministry cautioned that failure to adhere to these guidelines could result in punitive measures under applicable laws. Though it did not specify exact penalties, previous breaches have led to notices, fines, and in severe cases, the temporary suspension of broadcasting rights.
Legal experts point out that under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, as amended, broadcasters found violating guidelines could face suspension of operations or cancellation of their licenses, apart from prosecution under broader national security laws.
Conclusion
The advisory comes at a time of heightened security concerns, with rising tensions along India’s borders and an increasing number of anti-terror operations within the country. In this backdrop, the government’s move is seen as a preemptive measure to safeguard operational secrecy and protect the lives of security personnel.
As the nation continues to confront complex security challenges, the Ministry’s message is clear: responsible journalism and cautious dissemination of information are essential components of the collective effort to uphold India’s national security.
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