Poonch Court Orders FIR Against Two News Channels

The Poonch court on Sunday issued a directive. An FIR must be registered against news channels ZEE News and News18 India. They broadcast false and derogatory news about a teacher during Operation Sindoor.

The Derogatory Reports

On 7th May 2025, during Operation Sindoor, Qari Mohammed Iqbal was martyred in a Pakistani attack in Poonch. While the nation mourned, two national news channels labeled him a terrorist. Shamelessly, Zee News and News 18 India claimed he was linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba. They made these claims without any proof. During their live reporting of Operation Sindoor, they presented him as a “notorious commander”.

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The news also showed his photograph and full name without consent. There was no verification, causing serious damage to his reputation. It also harmed the reputation of his family. These channels later withdrew their coverage when the truth came out, but by then the damage had been done.

Action by the Court

The court of Poonch Sub-Judge/Special Mobile Magistrate took the matter seriously. According to a Bar and Bench report, the court ordered the concerned Station House Officer (SHO) to register an FIR. They also required an action taken report within seven days. 

The court also made strong comments on the responsibility of the media. It stated that the press enjoys protection under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. However, this right is subject to reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2). These restrictions are important, especially in cases related to defamation, public order, and decency. The judge described branding a dead civilian teacher as a terrorist “without any verification” as serious irresponsible journalism. Such actions play a role in promoting public unrest and harming social harmony.

The court also said that the initial broadcast linked Qari Iqbal to the 2019 Pulwama terror attack. This amounted to public mischief and hurting religious sentiments. Even though the news channels later apologised, their initial actions were damaging. The news was broadcast without factual verification. These are punishable offences under Sections 353 (2), 356, and 196 of the Indian Penal Code (BNS). They are also punishable under Section 66 of the Information Technology Act, 2000. The court termed the apology as insufficient. They emphasized the need to neutralise the consequences of the broadcast. The court pointed out the duty of the police. They must take action once a cognisable offence is disclosed.

Misinformation

There has been some misinformation that the court imposed a fine of Rs 5 crore on the news channels. But no fines were imposed by the court; this figure comes from a legal notice by Iqbal’s family demanding damages.

This order of the court is not just a judgement but a lesson being taught to biased news channels. Many news channels in India are facing allegations of spreading fake news, running provocative news during Operation Sindoor. The operation was India’s military action against Pakistan after the Pahalgam attack.

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