Avinash Azad
In a major move against the growing menace of blackmail and extortion under the garb of journalism, the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Jammu and Kashmir, has directed all District Information Officers (DIOs) to maintain strict vigilance and monitor misuse of media identity and impersonation across the Union Territory.
The crackdown follows mounting anger expressed in the J&K Legislative Assembly during the recent winter session in Srinagar, where legislators raised alarm over doctored videos, fake news, and widespread social media abuse by self-styled “journalists” operating without accreditation.
“Repeated complaints have been received from field officers, public representatives, and media houses that certain individuals, without any formal authorization, are posing as journalists or correspondents of media organizations. These persons have, in several instances, been found misusing the name of media for blackmail, extortion, and coercion of officials, apart from circulating defamatory material against public institutions,” the advisory issued by the Joint Director Information, Kashmir, states.
The DIPR’s strongly worded directive emphasizes that several such impostors have already been apprehended and booked for extortion and misuse of media credentials, underlining the seriousness of the issue.
The advisory instructs all DIOs to implement a comprehensive vigilance and verification mechanism within their districts. Key directives include:
Maintaining a verified list of accredited and bona fide journalists in consultation with the DIPR and recognized media houses.
Restricting access to press releases, media briefings, and official communication strictly to verified journalists and authorized outlets.
Reporting impersonation or coercion cases immediately to the Deputy Commissioner and Police authorities for coordinated legal and administrative action.
Submitting periodic vigilance reports highlighting instances of misuse, field observations, and preventive measures taken.
Further, DIOs have been instructed to advise all district and block-level offices to verify credentials before entertaining any person claiming to represent the media, and to refrain from offering hospitality or access without proper verification.
Advisory to Media Houses
The DIPR has also urged editors and media owners to exercise due diligence while engaging correspondents, freelancers, or stringers. They have been asked to:
a. Employ only qualified and verified journalists with proper authorization letters and ID cards.
b. Take strict disciplinary and legal action against any representative found involved in unethical or coercive activities.
c. Publicly disassociate from individuals misusing their organization’s name or credentials for personal gain.
d. Uphold journalistic ethics as defined by the Press Council of India and DIPR’s accreditation norms.
The department has cautioned that lending legitimacy to unverified individuals or those facing credible allegations of blackmail, extortion, or defamation would amount to professional misconduct.
‘Blacksheep’ Tarnishing Journalism’s Image
While alternate media and digital journalism have empowered citizens to voice their grievances, the DIPR acknowledges that some “black sheep” have exploited these platforms for personal enrichment. These individuals frequently target departments such as Police, Mining, Revenue, and Public Works, coercing officials through threats of negative publicity or fabricated reports.
“Such misuse of journalistic identity has not only defamed the profession but also disrupted governance and eroded public trust,” said a senior officer from the Information Department, adding that the initiative aims to “restore credibility to the genuine media fraternity.”
Need for Legal Framework Despite the growing problem, India currently lacks a specific law regulating media conduct or defining journalistic eligibility. Media practitioners, like other citizens, enjoy freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. However, this right does not protect criminal acts such as blackmail, defamation, or extortion.
