Modi govt seeks Supreme Court directive to media on publication of COVID-19 related news (Representational Image) (Photo Credit: Pixabay.com)
New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led centre on Tuesday sought a direction from the Supreme Court that no media house should print, publish or telecast anything on COVID-19 without ascertaining facts from the authorities or government officials. This aims at combating the fake news related to coronavirus.
The development comes after a report of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) noted that fake news was the biggest resistance in combating the coronavirus pandemic. The report from MHA, which was filed in Supreme Court, claimed that fake news has made the fight against coronavirus hard. “It is the biggest hindrance in the fight against the pandemic,” said Home Ministry.
It is to be noted that the apex court was hearing a petition seeking directions to provide food and shelter to migrant workers amid the 21-day lockdown due to the novel coronavirus outbreak in India.
The death count in India has reached over 50 due to the outbreak of novel coronavirus in the country. According to the latest update, more than 1,500 cases of coronavirus has been reported in India so far. Maharashtra is the most affected state due to coronavirus, with death count rising to 12 and positive cases going up to 320.
Also Read: COVID-19 Crisis Worsens In Maharashtra As Confirmed Cases Climb To 320, Officials Report 12 Deaths
It is worth mentioning here that the novel coronavirus, which originated in China, has claimed thousands of lives across the world. Over 8,00,000 people have been infected with the coronavirus across the globe, with the global death toll rising to 42,000. With no known cure so far for the coronavirus, the deadly disease has become a major issue for the entire world.
(With Agencies Input)
