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Private channel Sudarshan TV News' episodes on "Muslims infiltrating" government services cannot air, for now, the Supreme Court ordered on September 15, calling the show an attempt to vilify Muslims.
"You cannot target one community and brand them in a particular manner," the apex court said, curbing the channel from airing its show "Bindas Bol" with seven of nine episodes left.
Calling the show "rabid", the SC bench said: "It appears that the object of the programme is to vilify the Muslim community and make it responsible for an insidious attempt to infiltrate the civil services."
The court also noted that the power of the electronic media to target a community, damage reputations or tarnish someone's image is "huge". One of the judges said that the "problem with the electronic media is all about TRPs", leading to excessive sensationalism that damages the reputation of people.
The judges also called for a panel of five distinguished citizens to decide on standards for electronic media. When the Press Council of India argued that regulations are already in place, the furious bench replied: "Really? If things would have been so hunky-dory then we would not have to see what we see on TV every day."
"The anchor's grievance is that a particular group is gaining entry into the civil services," Justice DY Chandrachud said, referring to the Sudarshan TV show.
"How insidious is this? Such insidious charges put a question mark on UPSC exams, cast aspersion on UPSC. Such allegations without factual basis, how can this be allowed? Can such programmes be allowed in a free society," he asked.
"Reputations can be damaged; image can be tarnished. How to control this? The state cannot do this," Justice Chandrachud said, adding that it would be difficult for any government to regulate private channels.
The judge told Sudarshan TV's lawyer Shyam Diwan: "Your client is doing a disservice to the nation and is not accepting India is a melting point of diverse culture. Your client needs to exercise his freedom with caution."
Justice KM Joseph suggested: "We need to look at the ownership of the visual media. The entire shareholding pattern of the company must be on the site for the public. The revenue model of that company should also be put up to check if the government is putting more advertisements in one and less in another."
Justice Joseph said the media "can't fall foul of standards they prescribe". Pointing at the airtime taken up by anchors, he commented that some anchors "mute the speaker" and ask questions.
Representing the centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that it would be disastrous for any democracy to control the press.
"Your lordships must have seen those programs where 'Hindu Terror' was highlighted. The question is to what extent can courts control the publication of content," Mehta said.
Meanwhile, netizens highlighted the government's move to ban two news channels in Kerala for reportage on February's Delhi riots while allowing the broadcast by Sudarshan TV.
"There is no separate freedom for journalists like in the US. We need journalists who are fair in their debates," the judge said.
He said the "best within the nation" should suggest measures to debate and then conclude. "Now an anchor is targeting one community. To say we are a democracy we need to have certain standards in place," Justice Chandrachud said.
Also Read: Centre Permits Broadcast Of Sudarshan News' Show On 'Infiltration Of Muslims In UPSC'
