NBDSA To Frame Guidelines On Use Of 'Jihad' Term; Rebukes Channels Over 'Thook Jihad', 'Food Jihad' Reports

The News Broadcasting & Digital Standards Authority (NBDSA) has cautioned several television news channels, including Zee News network channels, Times Now Navbharat, News18 and NDTV, over broadcasts that described alleged incidents of food adulteration using terms such as “thook jihad” and “food jihad”. The Authority has also decided to frame specific guidelines governing the use of the term “jihad” in news reporting.

The action was taken on complaints alleging that certain broadcasts communalised incidents of alleged food contamination by repeatedly characterising them as part of a “jihad” conspiracy.

In one case relating to broadcasts aired in July 2025 on Zee UP, Zee Bharat, NDTV and News18, the Authority examined coverage of an alleged incident involving a milk vendor. The programmes and accompanying tickers and thumbnails described the incident as “thook jihad” or “doodh jihad” and emphasised the religious identity of the accused. The complaint alleged that the footage relied upon by broadcasters did not conclusively show the alleged act and that the accused's explanation was not adequately presented.

The NBDSA observed that over the years it had received multiple complaints regarding the use of the term “jihad” by broadcasters while reporting incidents involving members of a particular community. Noting the increasing reliance on such terminology, the Authority said it had become necessary to lay down specific guidelines for the use of the term in news broadcasts. The Authority closed the complaint after issuing guidance to the broadcasters.

In a separate order concerning a Times Now Navbharat broadcast aired in October 2024, the Authority examined a programme that referred to alleged incidents of spitting in food as “thook jihad”. The complainant contended that the broadcast reflected a pattern of portraying suspected wrongdoing by Muslim individuals as part of a broader conspiracy narrative.

The broadcaster submitted that the programme was intended to highlight public health and hygiene concerns and that the expression had been used without any intention to foster communal division. It was also pointed out that the impugned video had been removed after receipt of the complaint.

Taking note of the removal of the broadcast, NBDSA decided not to pursue the matter further but advised the channel to exercise caution in future broadcasts.

The Authority emphasised the need for responsible and neutral reporting and cautioned broadcasters against the use of terminology that could stigmatise communities or promote unverified conspiracy narratives. It said that the proposed guidelines on the use of the term “jihad” would supplement existing norms on communal reporting.

Click here to read the order against Zee News, News18, NDTV

Click here to read the order against Times Now Navbharat