The Delhi High Court as an interim measure stayed the broadcast of a show of Sudarshan Channel alleged to be based on “infiltration of Muslims” in Civil Services, on a plea filed by the students of Jamia Millia Islamia.
A Single bench of Justice Navin Chawla issued a notice to the Central government, the Union Public Services Commission, Sudarshan TV and its Editor-in-chief.
The promo of the program “Bindas Bol” was widely publicized and the program was scheduled to be aired at 8:00 pm today.
The petitioners’ argued that the Content of the program was alleged to defame and incite hatred against the Jamia Millia Islamia and would impact the Muslim community at large.
They (The Petitioners’) further submitted that in the promo of the show the Anchor openly engaged in a hate speech and defamation against the students of Jamia Millia Islamia and the Muslim Community.
The Petitioners while seeking to prohibit the broadcast of the show contended that “The trailer as well as the broadcast of the program constitute hate speech and criminal defamation under Section 153A (1), 153B (1), 295A and 499 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.
They further contended that if the proposed broadcast is allowed, this would violate their fundamental right to life and personal liberty guaranteed under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution and would also violate the Cable Television Network (Regulation) Act and its Rules.
