The Supreme Court is taking steps to tighten regulations on TV news channels, highlighting the necessity of a stronger self-regulatory mechanism in media broadcasting. Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, leading the court, emphasized the importance of an improved self-regulation approach. The court specifically cited certain channels’ excessive behavior during their coverage of actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s death case.
The apex court remarked on the media frenzy surrounding the actor’s death, expressing concern about presumptions of murder and pre-empting criminal investigations. The court challenged the assertion that almost all TV channels exhibit self-restraint in their telecasts, suggesting that not everyone would agree with this view.
Rather than advocating censorship, the Supreme Court is advocating for a more effective self-regulation strategy within the TV News Channels industry. This decision follows the court seeking responses from various entities, including the Centre, in response to a plea filed by the News Broadcasters and Digital Association (NBDA). The NBDA’s plea was in opposition to the Bombay High Court’s observations in January 2021.
The Bombay High Court had previously indicated that media trials could be seen as contempt of court, advising media to remain within their boundaries. The coverage of Sushant Singh Rajput’s death by certain news channels was labeled as “contemptuous” by the high court. In light of these developments, the Supreme Court has intervened to establish a more robust self-regulatory mechanism for news broadcasters.
The court has expressed reservations about the current self-regulatory mechanism represented by the NBDA, considering it insufficient. The court has also raised concerns about the minimal penalties in place, which have remained unchanged since 2008. The focus is on enhancing the efficacy of self-regulation, rather than imposing governmental control over media content.
The NBDA’s self-regulatory body, led by a former Supreme Court judge, has addressed over 4,000 complaints to date. However, the court is advocating for a more substantial approach to self-regulation, suggesting penalties proportional to profits gained from potentially controversial programming. This move by the Supreme Court aims to ensure responsible journalism without resorting to censorship.
