Govt. Warns Against Broadcast of Videos Justifying Violence

Context:

• The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) issued an advisory to television channels cautioning against the broadcast of videos or content that justify or glorify violence, in connection with the Red Fort car bomb blast of November 10.

• The advisory underscores the need to balance freedom of the press with national security, public order, and responsible journalism.

Key Highlights:

Government Advisory and Triggering Incident

• The advisory followed the telecast of a video purportedly featuring Umar-un-Nabi, an individual allegedly linked to the Red Fort blast.

• The Ministry warned that such broadcasts could:

  • Incite violence

  • Disrupt public order

  • Endanger national security

Legal and Regulatory Basis

• The advisory reiterated mandatory compliance with:

  • Programme Code

  • Advertising Code
    under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995.

Content Restrictions Emphasised

• TV channels were cautioned against airing content that:

  • Promotes or justifies violent or unlawful acts

  • Encourages anti-national attitudes

  • Threatens the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India

  • May aid, abet, or glorify terrorism or extremism

Media Responsibility and Reporting Ethics

• Broadcasters were advised to exercise:

  • Editorial discretion

  • Sensitivity in reporting security-related incidents

• Visuals or narratives that could unintentionally serve as propaganda tools for extremist elements were specifically discouraged.

Internal Security Concerns

• The Ministry highlighted that irresponsible telecasts can:

  • Amplify extremist messaging

  • Influence vulnerable audiences

  • Complicate ongoing investigations and counter-terror operations

Relevant Prelims Points:

• Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995:

  • Regulates operation and content of cable TV networks in India.

• Programme and Advertising Code:

  • Prohibits content that:

    • Incites violence

    • Undermines public order

    • Promotes anti-national sentiments

• Institutions Involved:

  • Ministry of Information & Broadcasting

• Key Issue:

  • Balancing media freedom with national security and public order

Relevant Mains Points:

• Constitutional and Legal Dimensions:

  • Article 19(1)(a): Freedom of speech and expression

  • Reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2):

    • Public order

    • Security of the State

    • Sovereignty and integrity of India

• Governance and Security Concerns:

  • Sensationalist media coverage can fuel radicalisation.

  • Media platforms can be misused for psychological warfare and propaganda.

• Ethical Journalism:

  • Media has a duty to inform without endangering national interest.

  • Responsible reporting strengthens democratic accountability.

• Way Forward:

  • Strengthen self-regulation mechanisms in media.

  • Regular sensitisation of broadcasters on security-related reporting.

  • Transparent and proportionate enforcement of content regulations.

  • Promote media literacy to help audiences critically evaluate content.

UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):

• GS Paper 2: Freedom of speech, governance, role of media

• GS Paper 3: Internal security, terrorism, information warfare

• Prelims: Cable TV Act, Programme Code, national security