N. Ashok Kumar, Commissioner (Home) stated, “Whereas, maintaining public order, communal harmony, and national security is of paramount importance, particularly in the prevailing law and order situation in the State. And whereas, it has been observed that certain news items, press releases, and announcements attributed to banned, unrecognized, or unauthorized organizations are being reported and circulated without adequate verification, thereby creating panic, misinformation, and potentially provoking unrest among the general public. And whereas, the Press Council of India has laid down comprehensive “Norms of Journalistic Conduct” mandating responsible, ethical, and restrained reporting by media organizations”.
It added, “Now, therefore, in the interest of maintaining public order and ensuring responsible dissemination of information, the following guidelines are hereby issued for strict compliance by all media houses, editors, journalists, and publishers operating within the State: All media houses shall exercise utmost due diligence in verifying the authenticity of any information, particularly announcements relating to bandhs, strikes, threats, or directives issued by unauthorized or unrecognized organizations. No such information shall be published or broadcast without proper verification from official or credible sources.”
It further stated, “Press releases, statements, or communications issued by banned, unlawful, or unrecognized organizations shall not be published, disseminated, or given publicity in any form.Any such content, if reported in public interest, must be contextualized responsibly without amplifying or legitimizing such entities. Media houses shall refrain from publishing sensational, provocative, or exaggerated headlines/content that may incite fear, unrest, or communal disharmony. Reporting must be balanced, factual, and non-inflammatory, particularly in sensitive matters affecting law and order. Unverified or speculative information likely to create panic among the general public shall not be disseminated.. Information relating to closures, threats, or disruptions must not be presented as confirmed facts without authentication.”
The advisory stated that, “Any reporting that glorifies violence, unlawful acts, or anti-social elements, including interviews or statements that may project such entities in a favorable light, is strictly prohibited. All media houses shall strictly adhere to the principles of ethical journalism, including accuracy, fairness, restraint, and responsibility. Any misuse of media platforms for extortion, coercion, or dissemination of unlawful content shall be treated as gross professional misconduct and dealt with as per law. Media shall act as a responsible stakeholder in safeguarding public order and shall avoid any reportage that may aggravate the prevailing law and order situation. Reporting should contribute to peace, stability, and communal harmony in the State.
The advisory stated, “All media organizations are directed to strictly comply with the above guidelines and the norms prescribed by the Press Council of India. Any violation shall invite appropriate legal action under relevant laws in force.”