Jammu Kashmir Assembly Sees Strong Call for Law to Curb Fake News; MLAs Demand Regulation, Accountability in Media Sector | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Lawmakers across party lines in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Friday called for stringent legal and regulatory measures to curb the growing spread of fake news and misinformation, stressing the need for accountability, licensing norms, and enforcement mechanisms in the media and digital space.

Participating in a discussion on misinformation, legislators urged the government to frame a comprehensive legal framework to address the issue while safeguarding responsible journalism and democratic freedoms.

Speaker Advocate Abdul Rahim Rather said all stakeholders must play a constructive role in addressing misinformation and stressed the need for clear accountability mechanisms. He expressed hope that the government would take effective steps to ensure responsible communication and curb fake news.

MLAs Iftikhar Ahmad and Sajjad Shaheen called for a structured policy framework, including minimum qualifications and standards for those engaged in journalism, arguing that unregulated entry into the media space was contributing to the spread of misinformation.

MLA Khurshied Ahmed underscored that while media remains the fourth pillar of democracy, strict provisions and penalties are required against those spreading fake news to ensure accountability and deter misuse.

MLA Pawan Gupta raised concerns over unlicensed media outlets and digital channels operating without authorisation from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, calling for stricter regulatory action.

MLA Nazir Ahmad Khan (Gurezi) cautioned that the ease of creating digital platforms has led to unchecked dissemination of content, emphasising the need for robust legal safeguards to prevent reputational harm caused by false reporting.

MLA Rafiq Ahmad Naik said there must be strict legal provisions to curb misinformation, noting that an informed public demands responsible and accurate reporting.

MLA Nizam-ud-din Bhat highlighted both opportunities and challenges in the evolving media landscape, stressing that existing laws must be effectively implemented and ethical standards upheld.

Several other members, including Rameshwar Singh, Sajjad Shafi, Saif-ud-Din Bhat, Pirzada Farooq Ahmad Shah, Sham Lal Sharma, and Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi, echoed similar concerns, calling for regulatory oversight, verification of media credentials, district-level monitoring mechanisms, and stronger enforcement of existing laws.

They collectively emphasised that while responsible journalism must be protected, misuse of media platforms for defamation, blackmail, and misinformation must be firmly dealt with through clear legal provisions and institutional oversight.