Freedom of
expression should be used responsibly
The Information
and Broadcasting Ministry, directed that Hindi television
channel NDTV India be taken off air for 24 hours on November 9 to impose
restrictions on journalistic content. The decision arises from the telecast of
developments relating to the terrorist attack on the Pathankot Air Force base
in January. The news channel is accused of airing sensitive information.
Yes, there is a
need for restrained and responsible coverage of anti-terrorism operations and
potential hostage situations. There is a
rule introduced in June 2015 that imposes a blanket ban on all live coverage of
any anti-terrorist operation until it ends. This rule empowers the government to regulate or prohibit the
transmission of TV programmes.
In the name of
freedom of media and their eagerness to provide hot news, we have seen sensationalisation of issues. But have you noticed one thing? Media had
bowed down with folded hands when emergency was imposed by Congress. When NDTV
was banned for one day as token punishment for clearly violating national
interests everybody is up on their feet.
Media no longer
enjoys free food, parties, foreign trips with PM and are increasingly becoming
accountable for their arrogance under the present Govt.
The one day ban
is a very mild punishment. During the entire war on Iraq the western
democracies did not allow any journalist to air any sensitive information. Even
CNN was not exempted. Indian channels have unabashedly aired military details
for a long time knowing fully well their channels were being monitored in
Pakistan.
The government
has signalled that all the citizens are expected to keep in mind national
interest while doing their activities. If not then they will face the law.
If some people
find ministry's decision too harsh then it would be wrong to say that the
concerned channel has no legal remedy. There is still time and the channel can
approach the court of law to challenge the verdict.
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