The Information and Broadcasting Ministry on Tuesday asked television channels to avoid airing visuals or content that may support or enable unlawful activities. The advisory follows broadcasts on some channels that showed material related to making explosives after the recent blast near the Red Fort in Delhi that resulted in several deaths.

The ministry noted that some channels aired reports on individuals linked to the blast and carried information videos on making explosive material. The advisory said, “It has come to the notice of this ministry that some news channels have been broadcasting content related to alleged persons involved in Red Fort blasts, justifying their acts of violence, as well as information videos of how to make explosive material.”

It said such content could encourage violence, disturb public order and create risks for national security. The ministry added that channels must remain cautious in their coverage. “All TV channels are advised to exercise the highest level of discretion and sensitivity while reporting on such matters,” it said.

The advisory referred to provisions under the Cable Television Network Rules, which bar programmes that are obscene, defamatory, deliberately false or likely to incite violence. The rules also prohibit content against law and order or material that promotes anti-national attitudes or affects national integrity.

The ministry advised all channels to avoid showing visuals that could aid, abet or promote unlawful activities.