Recently, Yakub Memon’s death penalty was the most discussed topic on the News Channels and a lot was said and listened during that period. In the process, some news channels intentionally or unintentionally, may (or may not) have shown some content which has violated their code of conduct.
Indian Government has issued notices to three News Channels for airing programs about Yakub Memon’s hanging, through which the government thinks that they have showed disrespect to the judiciary and the President of India. The Government has given 15 days time to three News Channels ABP News, NDTV 24×7 and Aaj Tak to reply and tell that why action should not be taken against them for airing such content.
What these channels aired which was unacceptable to the Government:
Aaj Tak and ABP News aired interview of Chhota Shakeel taken on phone. In the interview, Chhota Shakeel was repeatedly claiming that Yakub is “innocent”. They also discussed the reasons and methods of the dismissal of Yakub’s four mercy petitions. He also said that he doesn’t believe in court as the justice has not been done.
NDTV 24×7 telecasted the interview of Yakub’s lawyer who on-screen gave his opinion that he doesn’t favour the death sentence.
The sections under which these News Channels are booked:
1. Section 1(d)
This section clearly states that any program which includes “obscene, defamatory, deliberate, false and suggestive innuendos and half-truths” should not be telecasted.
2. Section 1(e)
This section clearly states that any program which is “likely to encourage or incite violence or contains anything against maintenance of law and order or which promote anti-national attitudes” should not be telecasted.
3. Section 1(g)
Under this section any channel that “contains aspersions against the integrity of the President and Judiciary” can be barred.
As these three News channels gave their reply to the show-cause notice, their response will be reviewed and after that the next step will be decided.