Channels in state must stick to programming code: Karnataka HC

The Bengaluru city police will now strictly implement an interim order of the Karnataka High Court regarding following the 'Programme Code' as defined under Section 5 of the Cable Television Networks (Regulations) Act, 1995.

The Bengaluru city police will now strictly implement an interim order of the Karnataka High Court regarding following the 'Programme Code' as defined under Section 5 of the Cable Television Networks (Regulations) Act, 1995. The Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru regarding the orders stated, 'I, Kamal Pant, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru City, as "Authorized Officer" for Bengaluru City jurisdiction, as per the powers vested under Section 19 the Cable Television Networks (Regulations) Act, 1995, in public interest, hereby prohibit all the broadcasts, which are not strictly in confornity in terms of 'Programme Code' as defined under Section 5 of the aforesaid Act r/w Rule 6 of the Cable Television Network Rules 1994. Any violation of the aforesaid direction, shall be liable for prosecution, u/s 16 of Cable Television Networks Act, 1994.' It is to be noted that this order is being promulgated days after BJP MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi resigned as a minister on "moral grounds" soon after an alleged tape was aired by channels.