A day after the TRP scam and sparring between the TV channels, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Friday directed all private channels to strictly adhere to the Programme Code asking that no programme should criticise, malign or slander any individual and certain groups. In its advisory, Ministry citied Delhi High Court Judgment’s Order on actress Rakul Preet Singh desisting TV channels to air reports maligning her in connection with the drugs probe related to Sushant Sign Rajput death case.
“Attention is drawn to the provisions of the Programme Code as per which no programme should contain anything obscene, defamatory, deliberate, false and suggestive innuendos and half-truths. As per the Code, no programme should criticise, malign or slander any individual in person or certain groups, segments of social, public and moral life of the country,” said the advisory also directing the TV channels to adhere to the provisions of Cable Television Networks (Regulation ) Act 1995 and Advertsign Codes.
The advisory quoted the Delhi High Court’s September 17 Order in the actress’ petition against media organisations on reports against her in connection with the drugs case. She approached HC requesting media to stop reporting about her and linking her name to the Rhea Chakraborty drug case. “Itis hoped that the media houses and televisions channels would show restraint in the reporting and abide by the provisions of the Programme Code as also the various guidelines, both statutory and self regulatory, while making any report in relation to the petitioner,” said the High Court.