Centre Warns Against Spreading Misinformation On Ram Temple Occasion

The Central government on Saturday issued a cautionary advisory to various media platforms, including digital outlets, urging them to abstain from disseminating false and provocative content in anticipation of the consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22. The advisory was directed at 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.

The advisory emphasized the celebration of the Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024, across India. It expressed concern about the circulation of unverified, provocative, and fake messages, particularly on social media, which could potentially disrupt communal harmony and public order. The advisory referenced provisions of the Programme Code under the Cable Television Networks Regulation Act, 1995, and the Norms of Journalistic Conduct outlined by the Press Council of India under the Press Council Act, 1978, which have also been incorporated into the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.

Furthermore, the advisory urged newspapers, private satellite TV channels, and digital media publishers to refrain from disseminating any content that could be false, manipulated, or has the potential to disturb communal harmony or public order in the country. Social media platforms were advised to exercise due diligence by making reasonable efforts to avoid hosting, displaying, or publishing information of the specified nature.

The advisory provided this guidance in light of the upcoming 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony for Shri Ram Lalla scheduled for January 22 at the temple in Ayodhya. The idol of Lord Ram, sculpted by Mysuru-based artist Arun Yogiraj, stands 51 inches tall and weighs 1.5 tonnes. The portrayal 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 marking the 'Pran Pratishtha,' with a team of priests led by Lakshmikant Dixit overseeing the main rituals. Several celebrities and prominent personalities have been invited to partake in the ceremony.