J&K Court Orders FIR Against Zee News, News18 for Defamatory Broadcasts Against Deceased Teacher
The court found these claims to be unverified and defamatory, noting that the broadcasts violated journalistic ethics and guidelines set by the Press Council of India.
POONCH– A local court in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district has directed the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against prominent news channels Zee News and News18 India for allegedly broadcasting false and defamatory content about Qari Iqbal, a civilian teacher killed during Pakistani shelling on May 7, 2025, at District Hospital Poonch.
The court’s order, issued on June 28, 2025, follows a complaint by Sheikh Mohd Saleem, who accused the channels of tarnishing the deceased teacher’s reputation by falsely labeling him a “Pakistani terrorist” and “notorious commander” during their coverage of Operation Sindoor, a military response to the Pahalgam terror attack.
The controversy stems from news reports aired by Zee News and News18 India, which claimed Qari Iqbal was a high-ranking operative of terrorist groups Lashkar-e-Toiba and Hizbul Mujahideen, allegedly involved in the 2019 Pulwama attack and listed on the National Investigation Agency’s (NIA) most-wanted list.
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The court found these claims to be unverified and defamatory, noting that the broadcasts violated journalistic ethics and guidelines set by the Press Council of India. The reports, according to the complainant, caused irreparable harm to the teacher’s family and reputation, portraying a civilian educator as a terrorist without evidence.
The complainant, Sheikh Mohd Saleem, had previously sent legal notices to both channels on May 10, 2025, demanding Rs 5 crore each in compensation for what he described as “slanderous and irresponsible reporting.” The notices also sought a public apology for the distress caused to Qari Iqbal’s family. Despite these efforts, the channels failed to retract their claims or issue clarifications, prompting Saleem to approach the Poonch court for legal recourse.
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In its ruling, the court, presided over by the Chief Judicial Magistrate, rejected arguments from the police that it lacked jurisdiction because the broadcasts originated from Delhi. Citing Section 199 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), the court clarified that jurisdiction extends to the location where the consequences of defamation are felt—in this case, Poonch, where Qari Iqbal lived and worked. The court ordered the Station House Officer (SHO) of Poonch to register an FIR within seven days and conduct a fair, time-bound investigation. A compliance report must be submitted to the court upon completion of the probe.
The court’s order emphasized the need for responsible journalism, stating that the channels’ failure to verify facts before broadcasting such serious allegations constituted a breach of ethical standards. It further noted that the defamatory content not only maligned the deceased but also caused significant emotional and social harm to his family.
Operation Sindoor, was launched by security forces following a terror attack in Pahalgam that drew widespread attention. While the operation targeted militant activities in the region, the misidentification of Qari Iqbal as a terrorist has raised concerns about media accountability and the potential for misinformation to exacerbate tensions in sensitive areas like Jammu and Kashmir.
The case has sparked debates about the role of media in conflict zones and the need for stricter regulations to prevent unverified reporting. Legal experts suggest that the FIR could set a precedent for holding news outlets accountable for defamatory content, particularly when it involves individuals who cannot defend themselves. Qari Iqbal’s family has expressed hope that the legal action will restore his dignity and serve as a deterrent against reckless journalism.
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As of now, neither Zee News nor News18 India has issued a public statement regarding the court’s order. The investigation is expected to examine the sources of the channels’ claims and the processes followed in their reporting. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for media practices in India, particularly in the context of sensitive regional issues.
