The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has directed the government to consider establishing a regulatory authority for social media news channels and agencies.
The order, issued by Chief Justice Pankaj Mithal and Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur, instructs the petitioner to submit a detailed representation to the Principal Secretary of the Information Department regarding the regulation of social media news portals.
The Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by an unnamed petitioner, represented by Mr. Shafqat Nazir, raises concerns about the lack of regulation and the prevalence of unauthorized news agencies operating in the Union Territory. The petition highlights the harassment caused by individuals posing as journalists, including incidents where they have disclosed sensitive information and engaged in unethical practices.
According to the petitioner, there is no clear mechanism for granting permissions to operate news agencies, leading to confusion and the spread of misinformation.
The Right to Information (RTI) request made to respondent No. 4, the Director of Information in J&K, revealed that no permissions had been granted, further underscoring the regulatory gap.
The Court’s ruling emphasizes the need for a structured approach to regulate social media news channels and prevent unauthorized operations.
“This petition seeks to address a crucial issue of public interest. We urge the government to take swift action to implement effective regulatory measures,” stated the Court.
The petitioner’s concerns also include the negative impact of “fake journalists” who, armed with cameras and microphones, have been harassing officials and disseminating misleading information.
The Court’s order aims to address these issues by encouraging the government to develop a framework that ensures only authorized and professional entities operate within the region.
The government is now expected to consider the petitioner’s suggestions and take appropriate action to regulate media operations, ensuring a more controlled and ethical media environment in Jammu Kashmir.