16 key statements by Supreme Court in the Sudarshan TV case

Source:-theleaflet

SUDARSHAN TV’s show, “UPSC Jihad” on the so-called-infiltration of Muslim students of Jamia Millia Islamia University into the Indian bureaucracy came to light after its Editor in Chief Suresh Chavhanke tweeted a trailer of the show.

Initially, the Delhi High Court while hearing a plea filed by a group of former and current students of Jamia Millia Islamia University had stayed the broadcast of the show till the Centre took a decision in the matter.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on September 9 allowed Sudarshan News channel to telecast its show. It, however, directed the channel to ensure that the proposed show did not violate any programme code. It also added action would be taken as per the law if any violation was found.

At the same time, the Supreme Court was also considering a plea against the show of the Sudarshan TV albeit filed by a different petitioner, Firoz Iqbal Khan.

By the time, SC took up the matter for hearing on September 15 after issuing notice in the matter, and initially refusing prior restraint against the show on August 28, the channel had broadcast four of the nine episodes of the show in the meantime between September 9 to 14.

The Advocates for the Respondents maintained a defense on Freedom of Speech. The News Broadcasters Association argued that their regulations were strong and had improved and it would make offenders apologise during prime-time.

However, the Supreme Court has taken a strong stand against content that promotes hatred. The judges made some noteworthy statements in both open court and in its order on September 15. At the same time, it has also made itself extremely clear on maintaining the Respondent’s Freedom of Speech. It has asked Suresh Chavhanke to file a personal affidavit that assuages the court’s concerns on hate speech in the show.