The police have directed cable operators to stop transmission of the two channels for 24 hours from the time they receive the copy of the order.

“The news channels cannot show visuals which are defamatory or can cause law and order situation or a problem of disorder. We have hence issued an order under Section 19 of the Act, which specifically states that ‘half truths’ cannot be spread,” said Joint Commissioner of Police (law and order) K L Prasad.

The “half truth”, Prasad said, in this case was in the manner in which the channels tried to depict through pictures, videos and words that “Mumbai is tense”. “A situation controlled in 20 minutes was made to look as if it was still happening,” Prasad said.

The “operative order” which was ready by early evening was eventually passed only later in the night after a long meeting convened at Prasad’s office.

“Under the provisions of the Act, the commissioner of police authorises an officer of the rank of a deputy commissioner of police to enforce the order,” Prasad said.

The order, Prasad said, was signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Enforcement) Sanjay Mohite. When contacted, Mohite refused to comment but confirmed the order.

Rajeev Bajaj, Sahara Mumbai chief, “I have heard about this but we have not been contacted. I spoke to R R Patil about this, and he said there is no such ban. Everybody has been showing the same clippings. And if it is true, and if an order has been passed then we will fight it out in court.”

India TV could not be reached for comment.