New Delhi: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Friday issued an advisory to all media channels, directing them not to broadcast live defence operations and movement of security forces as the information may aid enemy elements and jeopardise the effectiveness of operations and the safety of security personnel.”
Citing several examples like the Kargil war and the Mumbai terror attacks, the ministry said that unchecked coverage in the past hurt national interests.
The ministry said that past events have made clear the importance of responsible reporting. Unchecked coverage during incidents like the Kargil war, Mumbai terror attacks (26/11), and the Kandahar plane hijacking had unwanted negative impacts on national interests.
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
Earlier, the ministry had issued an advisory to all TV channels to follow Rule 6(1)(p) of the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021. Under Rule 6(1)(p), it is stated that “no such program should be broadcast on cable service which contains live coverage of any anti-terrorist operation. Media coverage will be restricted only to the briefing given from time to time by the officer designated for national security. The advisory comes in the wake of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack.
“In the interest of national security, all media platforms, news agencies, and social media users are advised to exercise utmost responsibility while reporting on defence and other security-related operations and strictly adhere to existing laws and regulations,” the ministry said.
The advisory specifically states, “Any kind of real-time coverage, visual broadcast or ‘source-based’ information related to defence operations or movement of security forces is prohibited. Premature disclosure of sensitive information by the appropriate government till the operation is over.” The ministry further said, “The media, digital platforms, and individual citizens have a vital role in safeguarding national security. Apart from legal obligations, it is also our shared moral responsibility that any of our collective actions do not compromise the ongoing operations or the safety of our security forces.” On April 22, a group of five to six terrorists attacked and killed 28 people in the Baisaran grassland near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. This is considered to be the worst terrorist attack on civilians after the removal of Article 370. The dead included 27 tourists and a local pony driver.