In a historic ruling that has sent shockwaves through India’s media industry, a Poonch district court delivered a remarkable judgment by registering an FIR and slapping a heavy fine of ₹5 crore each on two prominent Indian news channels—Zee News and CNN-News18—for spreading fake and defamatory content against a martyr of the Pakistani military during #OperationSindoor.
The judgment came in the wake of false claims made by both channels on May 7, 2025, following the martyrdom of Qari Mohammed Iqbal, who was killed during cross-border firing in the Poonch sector. The news outlets wrongfully labeled Iqbal, a Pakistani national and a respected community figure, as a terrorist affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba, despite official records confirming his non-combatant and civilian status.
Background: The Operation and the Tragedy
On May 7, 2025, the Poonch district was once again in the global spotlight as Operation Sindoor, a heightened military alert situation along the Line of Control (LoC), resulted in intense shelling and exchange of fire between Pakistani and Indian troops. Amidst the chaos, Qari Mohammed Iqbal, a 42-year-old Islamic scholar and father of four, was killed in cross-border shelling near his home.
Eyewitnesses, local reports, and even initial statements from the district administration in Rawalakot, Pakistan-administered Kashmir, verified that Iqbal had no links with any militant organizations. However, within hours of the incident, Zee News and CNN-News18 aired prime-time bulletins branding him a “top Lashkar-e-Taiba operative eliminated in action”—a narrative that sparked immediate outrage across Pakistan and on social media.
A Blow to Media Misconduct
The court in Poonch took suo motu cognizance of the matter after several human rights activists and legal advocacy groups raised concerns over journalistic malpractice, defamation of the deceased, and provoking cross-border hatred through unverified reporting.
During the proceedings, both channels failed to provide substantiated evidence of Qari Iqbal’s alleged links to terrorism. Their reports were found to be based on speculation, social media chatter, and anonymous security sources rather than any official or legal verification.
The honorable judge, Justice Saeed Akhtar, in his 67-page ruling, stated:
“The role of media is to inform, not to inflame. In this case, two major television networks weaponized misinformation, stained the reputation of a martyr, and misled millions of viewers for the sake of sensationalism. Such journalistic recklessness is unacceptable in a democratic society.”
The Verdict: A Message to All Media Houses of India
The court ordered the following:
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FIR Registration: Formal criminal complaints have been lodged under sections related to defamation, spreading false information, promoting enmity, and endangering public order.
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Monetary Penalty: Each channel is to pay ₹5 crore (INR) as a penalty for defamation, mental agony caused to the family of the deceased, and damages to international relations.
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Public Apology: Both channels must issue a public televised apology within 7 days and retract their previous reports.
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Suspension of Reporters: The court also recommended the temporary suspension and review of the licenses of the reporters and anchors involved in the misleading broadcast.
The ruling was widely hailed as a defense of ethical journalism and a blow to sensationalist reporting, especially by media houses operating with nationalist biases and unchecked editorial practices.
Family’s Reaction: “He Died for His Country. They Killed His Dignity.”
The family of Qari Mohammed Iqbal expressed a mix of grief and relief following the court’s decision.
“My husband died in service to his faith and community. What these channels did was not just fake—it was cruel. They turned a martyr into a terrorist overnight,” said his widow, tears in her eyes. “Today, justice has been served. But the damage to his name, and to our hearts, will take a lifetime to heal.”
Political and Civil Society Response
Civil rights organizations and independent journalists lauded the judgment as a watershed moment for media accountability in South Asia.
Fahmida Shah, a legal advisor for the South Asia Press Freedom Alliance, said:
“This is a precedent-setting case. It shows that even powerful media houses are not above the law when they defame innocent people and disrupt peace for TRPs.”
On the other hand, Indian opposition leaders have remained largely silent, while members of the ruling party have criticized the decision as “influenced by cross-border pressure”, further underlining the polarized media landscape.
Why This Matters: The Battle Against Fake News
The phenomenon of fake news and disinformation has escalated dramatically in recent years, especially on South Asian television networks and digital platforms. In the race to break news first or dominate narrative battles, facts often become casualties.
This case is particularly significant because:
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It highlights how unverified reporting can fuel cross-border hostility.
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It exposes the lack of editorial checks in leading media institutions.
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It showcases a judicial system willing to take a stand against media propaganda.
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It serves as a warning to others in the industry who prioritize nationalism and ratings over integrity and truth.
The Bigger Picture: Journalism Under Scrutiny
Over the past decade, Indian media houses have been accused of becoming mouthpieces for their respective states, often abandoning impartiality in favor of jingoistic rhetoric. This incident has reopened the debate on:
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The need for independent media regulators.
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Strengthening fact-checking units within newsrooms.
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Encouraging ethical journalism training for reporters and anchors.
If left unchecked, such media behavior risks not only defaming individuals but also inciting hate, communal violence, and international tension.
Social Media Storm: #JusticeForIqbal Trends Worldwide
Following the court’s decision, hashtags like #JusticeForIqbal, #FakeNewsExposed, and #PoonchVerdict began trending on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Thousands of users, journalists, and rights activists across Pakistan, India, and abroad expressed outrage at the original broadcasts and hailed the judgment as “a small but strong victory for truth.”
One viral tweet read:
“This is NOT just about one man. It’s about the war on truth. Today, truth won. Tomorrow, we must protect it harder. #JusticeForIqbal”
Conclusion: A Warning Bell for Sensationalist Media
The Poonch court’s judgment is a clear and powerful warning to news organizations across the subcontinent. In an age where misinformation spreads like wildfire and media trials destroy lives in minutes, this case proves that lies have consequences.
As nations struggle with internal conflicts and sensitive geopolitical situations, the role of the press must be to bridge gaps, not widen them. To inform, not incite. And above all, to serve truth, not trends.
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