The Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry have issued advisories to all media platforms, urging caution in publishing or telecasting content related to the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya. The advisory emphasizes refraining from disseminating false or manipulated information that has the potential to disturb communal harmony or public order. The Pran Pratishtha of Shri Ram Lalla is scheduled for January 22, 2024, and the advisory aims to prevent the spread of unverified or provocative messages, especially on social media, that could disrupt peace. The ministry has issued advisories to newspapers, registered under the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867, private satellite television channels, publishers of news and current affairs content on digital media, and social media platforms. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the rituals during the ceremony, with notable personalities in attendance. The idol of Lord Ram has been placed inside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple in Ayodhya. The idol of ‘Ram Lalla’ is carved by Mysuru-based sculptor Arun Yogiraj. The idol is 51 inches tall and weighs 1.5 tonnes. The idol portrays Lord Ram as a five-year-old child standing on a lotus also crafted from the same stone.
It is observed that certain unverified, provocative and fake messages are being spread, especially on social media, which can disturb communal harmony and public order. In this regard, attention is invited to following provisions of the Programme Code under the Cable Television Networks Regulation Act, 1995, and Norms of Journalistic Conduct laid down by the Press Council of India under the Press Council Act, 1978, a reference to which has also been made in the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021,” the advisory read. Having regard to the above, the newspapers, private satellite TV channels and publishers of news and current affairs on digital media are advised to refrain from publishing/telecasting any content that may be false or manipulated or has the potential to disturb communal harmony or public order in the country. Further, as part of their due diligence obligations, the social media platforms are advised to make reasonable efforts to not host, display or publish information of the nature mentioned above,” it added.
