“Court Orders FIR Against Two News Channels for Spreading False Information, Imposes ₹5 Crore Fine”
#News Bureau June29,2025
A court in Jammu and Kashmir has ordered an FIR to be registered against Zee News and News18. The anchors of both channels have been accused of broadcasting false information during Operation Sindoor.
A court in Poonch, Jammu & Kashmir, on Saturday directed the registration of an FIR against news channels Zee News and News18 for allegedly airing false and defamatory content about a local school teacher during the coverage of Operation Sindoor — India’s military response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack.
According to a report by Bar & Bench, the complaint alleged that on May 7, both channels falsely identified Qari Mohammad Iqbal, a local teacher who was killed in Pakistani shelling, as a “notorious Pakistani terrorist” and “militant commander.” During live coverage of Operation Sindoor, the channels reportedly aired his photograph and full name, linking him to terrorism without any official confirmation, causing serious damage to his reputation and emotional trauma to his family.
The court noted that while the channels later retracted their coverage after the facts were clarified, irreparable harm had already been done.
Taking the matter seriously, the Sub-Judge/Special Mobile Magistrate of Poonch ordered the Station House Officer (SHO) to register an FIR within seven days and submit an action-taken report. Additionally, the court imposed a ₹5 crore penalty on each of the two news channels for broadcasting unverified and inflammatory content.
The case highlights growing concerns over the role of sections of Indian media in spreading misinformation, particularly during sensitive military operations, and potentially inciting communal tensions.
According to Bar & Bench, the Poonch court issued a strong rebuke to the media while addressing the false reporting incident, emphasizing the responsibilities that come with press freedom. The judge noted that while the press is protected under Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution, this right is subject to reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2) — especially in matters involving defamation, public order, and morality.
The court sharply criticized the labeling of a deceased schoolteacher, Qari Mohammad Iqbal, as a terrorist without any verification, calling it an act of serious journalistic irresponsibility. The judge stated that such false narratives contribute to public unrest and undermine communal harmony.
Even though the channels later issued apologies, the court noted that their initial broadcast which falsely linked the teacher to the 2019 Pulwama terror attack — amounted to public mischief and hurt religious sentiments. This reporting was aired without any factual verification, and the court held that such actions are punishable offenses under:
Sections 353(2), 356, and 196 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and
Section 66 of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
The court emphasized that an apology alone is not sufficient to undo the damage caused, and once a cognizable offense is revealed, it is the duty of the police to take appropriate action.
Public Reaction on Social Media
The judgment has sparked widespread conversation across social media. Many users praised the court’s decision as a landmark step against irresponsible journalism. One post on X (formerly Twitter) read:
“What a disgrace — while the nation mourned a martyr, these channels portrayed him as a terrorist. Shameful and dangerous.”
The incident has reignited debate over the ethics of media reporting in times of national crisis and the need for greater accountability in news broadcasting.
