Center advises TV channels to exercise caution on Delhi Red Fort blast coverage

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued an advisory to all private television channels, cautioning them against telecasting any visuals or content that may aid, abet or promote illegal activities.

The directive follows instances of some channels airing content related to making explosive devices following the recent blast near Delhi’s Red Fort, which claimed several lives.

“It has come to the notice of the Ministry that some news channels are telecasting content related to alleged persons involved in the Red Fort blasts, justifying their acts of violence, as well as telecasting informational videos on making explosive materials,” the advisory said.

The ministry warned that such broadcasts may inadvertently encourage or incite violence, disturb public order and pose a threat to national security.

“All TV channels are advised to exercise the highest level of discretion and sensitivity while reporting on such matters,” it said.

Citing provisions of cable television network rules, the advisory reiterated that programs should not contain anything obscene, defamatory, deliberately false, or suggestive of innuendo and half-truths; Must not encourage or incite violence; Law and order should not be weakened; And should not promote anti-national attitudes or threaten the integrity of the nation.

The ministry directed all channels to avoid telecasting such scenes or content that may promote or promote illegal activities in any way.