The Indian government has advised news channels to show restraint while airing content related to a deadly blast near Red Fort in Delhi over a week back, which has claimed 15 human lives till now, and has sent the security forces and sleuths on a country-wide hunt for the perpetrators.

 “It has come to the notice of this Ministry that some news channels have been broadcasting content related to alleged persons involved in Red Fort blasts justifying their acts of violence, as well as information/videos of how to make explosive material.

“Such broadcasts may inadvertently encourage or incite violence, disrupt public order, and pose risks to national security,” the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) said in an advisory dated November 18.

“All TV channels are advised to exercise the highest level of discretion and sensitivity while reporting on such matters. Broadcasters must ensure strict compliance with the Programme and Advertising Code under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995,” the advisory cautioned news platforms.

The programming code restricts electronic media from airing content that’s obscene, defamatory, false, or suggestive or “likely to encourage or incite violence”, apart from having the potential to impact maintenance of law and order or “promote anti-national attitudes”

“All TV channels are further advised to avoid telecasting visuals that could aid, abet or promote unlawful activities,” the advisory added.