Centre restricts media from showing live coverage of defence operations, movement of security forces

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting advisory urges media to avoid live coverage of defence operations for national security.

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued an 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.

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In a statement issued by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Saturday (April 26, 2025), it stated that “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.”

The statement mentioned that “no real-time coverage, dissemination of visuals, or reporting based on “source-based” information related to defence operations or movement should be undertaken.” It added that premature disclosure of sensitive information may inadvertently assist hostile elements and endanger operational effectiveness and the safety of personnel.

Talking about past incidents of reporting on the Kargil War, the Mumbai terror attacks (26/11), and the Kandahar hijacking, it said in the past, “unrestricted coverage had unintended adverse consequences on national interests.” The statement reminded media about responsible reporting.

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had earlier issued advisories to all TV channels to adhere to Rule 6(1)p of Cable Television Network [Amendment] Rules, 2021, which states that “no programme should he 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.”