SC pulls up News Broadcasters Association over lack of self-regulation by TV channels

 

Pointing out that self-regulation of television channels has proven to be “ineffective”, the Supreme Court Monday said that it would issue guidelines to strengthen such regulation.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud along with Justices PS Narasimha and Manoj Misra said that unless rules were made stringent, there was no compulsion on television channels to comply with the same, Bar and Bench reported. The bench further sought suggestions on the present penalty of Rs 1 lakh imposed on news channels for violation of News Broadcasters Association (NBA) guidelines.

CJI Chandrachud questioned, “You say TV channels practice self restraint. I don’t know how many in court would agree with you. Everybody went berserk whether it was a murder etc. You preempt the investigation. What is the fine you impose? ₹1 lakh! How much does a channel earn in one day. Unless you make the rules stringent no TV channel has no compulsion to comply. For any violation if there is a lakh penalty then what stops them?”