The Centre issued an advisory on Saturday to media outlets and social media platforms, cautioning them against publishing any false or manipulated content related to the January 22 Ram temple event in Ayodhya. The advisory, issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, said it has observed unverified, provocative, and fake messages being spread, especially on social media, which could disturb communal harmony and public order. Ahead of the consecration of the idol of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya, many people have received fake messages related to VIP invitations, donation drives, and prasaad of the mega event.

The advisory urged newspapers, private satellite TV channels, and publishers of news and current affairs on digital media to refrain from publishing and telecasting any content that may be false or manipulated or has the potential to disturb communal harmony.

“Furthermore, as part of their due diligence obligations, social media platforms are advised to make reasonable efforts to not host, display, or publish information of the nature mentioned above,” the advisory stated.

The ministry highlighted the relevant portions of the Norms of Journalistic Conduct, the Programme Code laid down by the Press Council Act, and the Cable Television Networks Regulation Act that deal with accuracy and fairness, reference to caste, religion, and communities, and paramount national interest.

Television channels have been instructed to adhere to the Programme Code, which states that no programme should be broadcast on the cable service if it contains anything obscene, defamatory, deliberately false, suggestive innuendos, half-truths, or content that is likely to encourage or incite violence. Additionally, programs should not contain anything against the maintenance of law and order or promote anti-national attitudes.

The Ministry also announced that elaborate arrangements have been made for the live telecast of the ceremony. The entire event will be broadcast in 4K quality by Doordarshan on DD News and DD National channels. On January 23, 2024, Doordarshan will conduct a live telecast of the Aarti and the opening of Shree Ram Temple for the public.

Doordarshan will share the clean feed of the event in Ayodhya on the day and has advised all TV channels that are subscribers to the agency to obtain the feed from there. For other national and international broadcasters, a YouTube link with the key of the clean feed has been generated. This link will be shared with the concerned broadcasters upon their request.