The Uttar Pradesh government has asked all district judges to seek an explanation from the media chief if it publishes "negative" news that may tarnish the state's image or present "false facts" in its reports.
Sanjay Prasad, Principal Secretary to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Adityanath, said in an order dated August 16 that "negative" news articles will be registered in the Integrated Grievance Redressal System (IGRS) and sent to the concerned Divisional Commissioners, District Magistrates, and Heads of Departments for action.

"If any newspaper/media distorts or mentions false facts and publishes negative news in an attempt to tarnish the image of the state or the district government, the respective district judge must send a corresponding letter to the head of that media/newspaper to explain the situation. And a copy will be marked to the information department,” said the order issued to the district magistrates and division men.
Prasad said the information department is collecting "negative news" published in newspapers and media. "There is an immediate need to investigate the facts of this negative news because this news tarnishes the image of the government," he said.
"Such papers will be registered in IGRS and sent to the concerned Divisional Commissioners, District Magistrates, and Heads of Divisions for action. The interim report will not be considered valid," said Prasad.
After sending a letter to the concerned department regarding such cases, the DM's office will upload the letter on the IGRS portal for which arrangements are in progress, he added.