Robust Mechanism In Place To Regulate Media Channels, Supreme Court Told

The affidavit was filed in response to a plea by the News Broadcasters and Digital Association (NBDA) against the January 2021 observations of the Bombay High Court.

Asserting that there is no statutory vacuum, the central government has told the Supreme Court there exists a robust mechanism for regulation of the content of private television channels.

In an affidavit filed before the Supreme Court, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has said the government has always protected journalistic freedom and encouraged the policy of promoting self-restraint and self-regulation in the field of journalism.

The government said this was meant to ensure that media houses and journalists acknowledge their vital role and responsibilities towards society and elevate their standards of practice through self-devised methods.