JKLA Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather Calls for Comprehensive Legal Framework to Combat Fake News and Misinformation

Jammu March 27, 2026 — Amid the ongoing Budget Session 2026, the Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly (JKLA), Advocate Abdul Rahim Rather, has called for the urgent drafting of a robust legal framework to address the escalating threat of fake news and digital misinformation.

Presiding over a Short Duration Discussion in the Assembly on Thursday, the Speaker emphasized that the rapid spread of unverified information poses a severe risk to public trust, social harmony, and the overall stability of the region.

He noted that the digital landscape requires a dedicated mechanism that can adapt to the modern challenges of the information age while ensuring that the fabric of society remains protected from malicious narratives.

Advocate Rather underscored that while the need for regulation is immediate, any proposed legislation must be a product of extensive research and a balanced approach.

He urged the administration to study existing legal frameworks and international best practices to ensure that the new law is both effective and fair.

The Speaker highlighted that the primary objective of such a framework should be to create a transparent and accountable communication environment without infringing upon democratic values.

By advocating for a well-researched legislative strategy, the Speaker aimed to strike a vital balance between curbing the harmful effects of misinformation and maintaining the principles of responsible free speech across Jammu and Kashmir.