Self-regulation of TV channels must be effective, says SC; calls for harsh financial penalties
PTC News Desk: Supreme Court ruled on Monday that television channel self-regulation should be effective.
These statements were made by a bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud while hearing a petition challenging the Bombay High Court.
The News Broadcasters Association (NBA) has filed an appeal against a Bombay High Court ruling that contained adverse observations about TV channel self-regulation.
The court ordered that the NBA's counsel make recommendations for strengthening the self-regulatory mechanism.
The court noted that the quantum of the penalty, which was set many years ago, had not been increased since then. The court noted that the penalty had not been increased since 2008. According to the court, the penalties should be equal to the channel's profile obtained from that show.
"The self-regulatory mechanism has to be effective," the apex court stated while issuing notice on the petition and asked the respondents to file counter affidavit. The court has also stated that it will provide guidelines on the topic.
The court further directed the NBSA to seek recommendations from retired judges Justices Sikri and Raveendran.
- With inputs from agencies
