Govt working with media groups to curb obscenity, HC told

The Centre has informed the Delhi High Court that a committee has been constituted to review the programme and advertising code and the rules framed under the Cable TV Networks (regulation) Act that deal with use of allegedly obscene pictures and visuals in media. Submitting a report in connection with PILs seeking direction to regulate the publication and telecast of allegedly obscene visuals, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting told the Division Bench of Chief Justice M K Sharma and Justice Reva Khetrapal that besides setting the committee, the government was also ready with the Broadcasting Regulatory Bill 2007. In the report, the Additional Secretary Uday Varma said in compliance with the court's earlier order he held meetings with media groups over the issue. Most of the media groups have suggested that the existing law (Cable TV Network regulation Act) is adequate to deal with the complaints against media and amendments are needed only in certain provisions of the Act to deal with cases related to publication or telecast of obscene visuals. Varma said that the ministry has considered some of the suggestions given by media groups on the issue. The Bench was hearing a batch of PILs seeking direction to the government to either issue guidelines for media or enact a law prohibiting the electronic as well as print media from publishing obscene pictures. The petitioner contended that display of obscene pictures and publication of articles which were allegedly against the country's culture.

"Loved reading this piece by Prakash Yedhula?
Join LAWyersClubIndia's network for daily News Updates, Judgment Summaries, Articles, Forum Threads, Online Law Courses, and MUCH MORE!!"

Join our Telegram group

Join our Whatsapp group