A district court in Jammu & Kashmir orders an FIR against Zed News and News18 over false reporting during Operation Sindoor. This landmark ruling reinforces media accountability and the legal consequences of spreading misinformation.

J&K Court Orders FIR Against Zed News and News18 Over Defamatory Coverage During Operation Sindoor

In a crucial step toward enhancing media responsibility, a district court in Poonch, Jammu & Kashmir, has directed law enforcement to file a formal complaint against national news networks Zed News and News18. The order follows allegations of broadcasting defamatory and false information during India’s anti-terror operation, known as Operation Sindoor.

False Identification Sparks Outrage

The controversy erupted when both networks incorrectly reported that Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Qari Mohammad Iqbal was killed by the Indian Army in a cross-border encounter. In reality, Iqbal was a civilian school teacher from Poonch. The misreporting caused significant distress to his family and incited widespread public outrage, particularly on social media platforms.

Legal Action Initiated Under IT and Criminal Laws

According to advocate Sheikh Mohammad Saleem, the misrepresentation not only harmed the deceased’s reputation but also created confusion and unrest. Despite public apologies from the news outlets, the court deemed it necessary to pursue legal proceedings.

The case has been filed under:

Section 66 of the Information Technology Act

Section 353(2) (public mischief)

Section 356 (defamation)

Section 196(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)

Impact of Misreporting Amid Cross-Border Tensions

The court emphasized the potential social and political impact of such grave journalistic errors during a time of heightened cross-border tensions. It stated that “post-facto apologies or noble intentions cannot avoid legal scrutiny or make up for reputational harm.”

Media Ethics Under the Spotlight

This legal development has intensified scrutiny of media ethics during sensitive military operations. Fact-checkers and independent analysts have repeatedly criticized several outlets for circulating unverified or misleading information during Operation Sindoor.

A Wake-Up Call for Responsible Journalism

The FIR against Zed News and News18 marks a significant move toward holding media houses accountable. The court’s action serves as a stern reminder that journalistic freedom must be exercised responsibly—especially in regions vulnerable to conflict.