Centre Issues Advisory to Media, Cautions Against False Content Ahead of Ayodhya’s ‘Pran Pratishtha’ Ceremony

In anticipation of the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony at the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024, the Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry has issued advisories to all media platforms, urging caution against publishing or telecasting content that might be “false, manipulated, or has the potential to disturb communal harmony or public order.”

The advisory covers newspapers registered under the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867, private satellite television channels, publishers of news and current affairs on digital media, and social media platforms. It comes amidst concerns about the spread of unverified, provocative, and fake messages, particularly on social media, which could disrupt communal harmony and public order.

Referring to the Programme Code under the Cable Television Networks Regulation Act, 1995, and Norms of Journalistic Conduct by the Press Council of India, the advisory underscores the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. It explicitly urges media outlets to exercise due diligence and refrain from disseminating content that may be false or manipulated.

The ‘Pran Pratishtha’ of Shri Ram Lalla at Ayodhya’s temple is scheduled for Monday. The idol of Lord Ram, crafted by Mysuru-based sculptor Arun Yogiraj, stands 51 inches tall and weighs 1.5 tonnes. The intricately carved idol depicts Lord Ram as a five-year-old child standing on a lotus, also crafted from the same stone.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to perform rituals during the ‘Pran Pratishtha,’ with a team of priests led by Lakshmikant Dixit overseeing the main rituals. The ceremony has garnered attention not only for its religious significance but also for the presence of several invited celebrities and notable personalities.

As the nation gears up for this auspicious event, the advisory serves as a reminder to media platforms and social media outlets to exercise responsibility and diligence in disseminating information, especially considering the potential impact on communal harmony and public order.