The News Broadcasting and Digital Standards Authority (NBDSA) has issued a caution to NDTV over its use of the expression “thook jihad” while reporting on an alleged food contamination incident, observing that the terminology carried communal overtones and unfairly linked an isolated act to the Muslim community.
The proceedings arose from a complaint concerning a programme aired in December 2024 relating to a viral video from Meerut, in which a man was allegedly seen spitting while preparing rotis. During the broadcast, the channel referred to the incident using the term “thook jihad” and suggested that similar acts were occurring in other places as well.
In its order, the NBDSA observed that although the incident itself was a legitimate subject of public interest, the language employed by the broadcaster gave the report an unnecessary communal angle. The authority held that use of the word “jihad” in such context amounted to a generalisation capable of reinforcing religious stereotypes and undermining principles of responsible journalism.
The complaint was filed by advocate Utkarsh Mishra, who argued that the broadcast portrayed an isolated criminal allegation as part of a larger communal narrative targeting Muslims. It was further alleged that the programme relied on sensational presentation and included material that resembled an unofficial interrogation rather than objective reportage.
NDTV, in its defence, submitted that the programme intended to highlight issues concerning hygiene and public conduct and did not seek to target any particular community. The broadcaster also informed the authority that the disputed content had subsequently been removed from its digital platforms.
The NBDSA, however, rejected the justification and observed that the term “jihad” inevitably carried religious connotations, even if no direct reference to a community was made during the programme. The authority emphasised that media organisations must exercise caution while reporting sensitive matters to avoid communal stereotyping or social polarisation.
Taking note of the fact that the content had already been removed, the NBDSA refrained from imposing punitive measures. However, it cautioned the broadcaster to ensure greater editorial responsibility and avoid use of language that may stigmatise an entire community on the basis of isolated incidents.
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