The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) has informed the Supreme Court that it has issued a “warning” order against Sudarshan TV for its “UPSC Jihad” program, as it finds that various statements and audiovisual content of the program “are not it is in good taste, it is offensive and has the potential to promote community attitudes ”.
After taking into account the written and oral presentations of the channel, the Ministry, in the order, said that it is “of the opinion that although freedom of expression is a fundamental right, the tone and tenor of the broadcast episodes do indicate that the channel, through various statements and audiovisual content, has violated the Program Code “.
The ministry, in an order approved on November 4, warned Sudarshan TV warning that if any violations of the Program Code are found in the future, stricter criminal measures will be taken.
A bank headed by Judge DY Chandrachud will take over the hearing on the matter on Friday.
The ministry recommended that the television channel review the content of future episodes of the “Bindas Bol – UPSC Jihad” program, and that the audiovisual content be appropriately moderated and modified. He has said that the way the channel has made its presentation, including its comments on the selection process, the civil services review system, portrays a community and the UPSC in low light, and the channel could have avoided it.
The ministry said the issue of the Zakat Foundation’s alleged terrorist links, which arose in the programs, and the alleged source of funding is a highly controversial factual issue, requiring a full investigation of the evidence to adjudicate truth or falsehood of the claim made. in the program.
On October 5, the Center had informed the Supreme Court that the Interministerial Committee, in its recommendation, had made certain additional recommendations in relation to the channel’s “UPSC Jihad” program. He also said that it is a duty to give the news channel one more chance to make a representation following these recommendations.
On September 23, the Center had informed the Supreme Court that it prima facie found that the news channel’s program with the title UPSC Jihad had violated the Program Code and, as a result, a detailed notice of the case was issued to the channel. of the show to explain why no action should be taken against him.
On September 15, the high court had issued an injunction against the remaining episodes of the television show, and the suspension continues to operate. So far, four episodes of the 10 scheduled episodes have been broadcast.
.
