Press Council urges print media not to publish ‘false’ news on Ram Mandir

The Press Council of India ruled Wednesday that the print media must not publish any news about the Ram temple consecration that is "false, manipulated, or has the potential to disturb communal harmony or public order."

In a news release, the News Council stated that the Ministry of Communication and Broadcasting had "observed that certain unverified, provocative, and fake messages are being spread" following the January 22 consecration. This was despite the ministry releasing a warning on January 20 ordering media platforms to "maintain adherence to norms and regulations"

As a result, the press statement advised media outlets to pay "attention" to provisions of the Cable Television Network Regulation Act and the Press Council Act. This includes exercising prudence when dealing with "paramount national interest" news.

It is also the “duty of the newspaper” to ensure that the “tone, spirit and language of a write-up is not objectionable, provocative, against the unity and integrity of the country, spirit of the constitution, seditious and inflammatory in nature or designed to promote communal disharmony”.

It's unclear what media coverage the press release is referring to. Newslaundry reported that the Big Media was completely immersed in kar seva - live shows, elaborate setups, flex boards welcoming Ram's return', and a media frenzy.

Editorials and front pages of newspapers, on the other hand, described the euphoria surrounding the consecration while simultaneously sounding cautious.