The Ministry of Defence, Government of India has issued a comprehensive advisory urging media channels, digital platforms, and individuals to refrain from live coverage or real-time reporting of defence operations and security forces movements, citing serious national security concerns.
In an official statement shared from their verified account, the Defence Ministry emphasized that “disclosure of such sensitive or source-based information may jeopardize operational effectiveness and endanger lives” of security personnel engaged in operations.
The advisory specifically references historical incidents including the Kargil War, the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, and the Kandahar hijacking as examples where premature or unrestrained media reporting had “unintended adverse consequences on national interests.”
Legal Framework
The Ministry highlighted the existing legal framework under clause 6(1)(p) of the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021, which explicitly prohibits live coverage of anti-terrorist operations by security forces. According to these regulations, media coverage during such operations “shall be restricted to periodic briefing by an officer designated by the appropriate Government, till such operation concludes.”
The advisory further clarifies that violating these regulations could make media outlets “liable for action” under the amended rules.
Comprehensive Guidelines
The detailed advisory issued to media organizations outlines eight key points, including:
- A complete prohibition on “real-time coverage, dissemination of visuals, or reporting based on ‘sources-based’ information related to defence operations or movement”
- Reminders of previous incidents where unrestricted coverage compromised national security
- Recognition of media’s “vital role in safeguarding national security” alongside their legal and moral responsibilities
- Reference to previous advisories issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on the same subject
Security analysts note that real-time coverage of operations provides tactical intelligence to hostile forces, potentially compromising operational security and endangering the lives of security personnel.
Industry Response
Media organizations are expected to implement additional internal guidelines to ensure compliance with the advisory while maintaining their journalistic responsibilities of keeping the public informed through official channels.
The Ministry concluded its advisory by requesting “all stakeholders to continue exercising vigilance, sensitivity, and responsibility in coverage, upholding the highest standards in the service of the nation.”
You can read the advisory and its contents here: https://t.co/bHscgUBMEV
