DIPR’s initiative to verify media credentials is timely, but regulation must respect constitutional freedoms

The order issued by the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), directing the District Information Officers (DIOs) of both Jammu and Kashmir divisions to maintain close surveillance over individuals misusing the identity of media professionals and to take necessary action in coordination with district administrations and police authorities, is a timely and appropriate step to contain the menace of ‘fake’ journalists indulging in unscrupulous activities across the Union Territory.

This directive came after the government found that certain individuals were misusing the name of the media for blackmail, extortion, coercion of officials, and the circulation of unverifie

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