NBDSA fines Zee News Rs 1 lakh over ‘Truck Par Namaz’ broadcast, orders apology
The News Broadcasters and Digital Association (NBDSA) has imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh on Zee News over a March 2025 programme that linked a traffic jam on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway to a truck driver allegedly offering namaz.
In an order dated Feb. 17, the NBDSA said the broadcast, titled “Truck Par Namaz… Jammu Mein Naya Bawaal Shuru!”, was not in line with principles of neutrality and responsible reporting under its Code of Ethics and Broadcasting Standards. The regulator directed the channel to remove the programme from its website, YouTube channel and other digital platforms, if still available, and to air an apology in a prescribed format.
The order followed complaints filed by Indrajeet Ghorpade, Utkarsh Mishra and Syed Kaab Rashidi, legal adviser to Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind. The complainants alleged that the show sensationalised a video purportedly showing prayers being offered on a truck in Jammu and framed it in a manner that vilified a particular community, potentially disturbing communal harmony.
After examining the broadcast and the channel’s response, the NBDSA held that the manner of presentation violated its guidelines.
In a separate order, the regulator also ruled on a complaint against Zee Telugu over a Nov. 9, 2024 programme titled “Fake Transgenders Arrested in Hyderabad.” The complaint alleged the broadcast used derogatory terminology and portrayed members of the transgender community in a stigmatizing manner.
The NBDSA is a self-regulatory body for private news broadcasters in India. Its powers are limited to imposing monetary penalties and directing apologies or removal of content.