SRINAGAR, Oct 31: In a strong and a significant move against the growing menace of fake journalism and impersonation, the Department of Information and Public Relations, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, has issued a detailed circular directing all District Information Officers across Kashmir Division to maintain heightened vigilance and take strict action against individuals misusing media identity.
The directive comes amid reports that certain unverified portals and self-styled media outlets had circulated defamatory content against legislators, a cabinet minister, and the Deputy Chief Minister while they were participating in the Assembly session, which was adjourned sine die earlier today.
The official communication, bearing No. INF/K-Estt.2091-98/2025 and dated 31/10/2025, issued by Syed Shahnawaz Bukhari, Joint Director Information, Kashmir, states that repeated complaints have been received from field officers, public representatives, and media houses about individuals posing as journalists or correspondents without formal accreditation or authorization. These individuals, according to the department, have been found misusing the name of media for blackmail, extortion, coercion of officials, and circulation of unverified and defamatory material against public institutions and officers. The circular notes that in several instances, such individuals were apprehended and booked for extortion and misuse of media identity, underscoring the seriousness of the issue.
In this context, DIOs have been directed to exercise utmost vigilance and ensure that strict measures are implemented within their jurisdictions. The circular emphasizes that each district must maintain and regularly update a verified list of accredited, authorized, and bona fide media persons operating locally, in consultation with the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) and recognized media houses. It further instructs that press releases, media invites, and official briefings should only be shared with verified and recognized journalists or media outlets through official email or social media channels.
The DIOs have been told to keep a close watch and immediately report any person or entity misusing media credentials, indulging in coercion, or attempting to malign officials, institutions, or private individuals for personal or financial gain. They are also required to coordinate closely with concerned Deputy Commissioners and Police authorities to ensure prompt legal and administrative action wherever such cases are reported, and to furnish full factual details to the Joint Director’s office without delay. Additionally, all district-level offices and departments have been advised to verify credentials before allowing access or sharing official information with anyone claiming to represent a media outlet. DIOs have also been directed to submit periodic vigilance reports highlighting incidents, inputs, and preventive measures taken.
The directive goes further to instruct DIOs to sensitize local media houses and advise editors in their respective districts to exercise due diligence while engaging correspondents, freelancers, or stringers, ensuring that only qualified, credible, and verified journalists are engaged, and that proper authorization letters and identity cards are issued. Editors have been urged to take disciplinary and legal action against any representative found indulging in unethical or coercive practices, or spreading defamatory material, and to publicly disassociate from individuals misusing their organization’s name or credentials for personal gain. The DIPR has also cautioned against lending legitimacy to individuals facing credible allegations of extortion or blackmail under the guise of journalism or those misusing the name of the profession.
The circular concludes by reiterating the need to uphold the code of journalistic ethics as laid down by the Press Council of India and to adhere to DIPR’s accreditation and empanelment guidelines. It emphasizes that only responsible, ethical journalism serves the public interest, and any misuse of the profession for personal benefit will invite strict administrative and legal consequences.
Officials said the directive was also prompted by recent incidents where some unverified portals and so-called journalists ran malicious stories targeting elected representatives and ministers during the ongoing Assembly session. The government, they said, views such acts as an attempt to undermine democratic institutions and the integrity of journalism itself.
By issuing this directive, the DIPR has sent a clear message that misuse of media identity, extortion in the name of journalism, and defamatory campaigns against public functionaries will not be tolerated, marking a decisive step to restore credibility and discipline within the media ecosystem of Jammu and Kashmir.
