The Supreme Court on Friday observed that TV channels are creating divisions in society and compete to sensationalise news.
Hearing petitions to control hate speech, the Bench comprising Justices KM Jospeh and BV Nagarathna even observed that such hate creating anchors have to be taken off the air and that the TV channels work as per the dictates of their funders.
As the court asked the Government to suggest ways to tackle these issues, the Centre’s counsel said that the Government is planning to introduce comprehensive amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) to tackle hate speech.
"When you claim freedom of speech and expression, you must act like you deserve it. Otherwise what dignity is left for us," Justice Joseph remarked, adding that such channels are creating fissures in the society.
"Channels are basically competing with each other. They sensationalize it. How do you control this? Freedom of speech and expression is important. Problem with freedom is it is about the audience. Can the audience dish out or understand the agenda. Agenda is serving someone else. Then there is money behind the channel. The point also is who puts money, they will dictate," Justice Joseph remarked. The Court also suggested stringent measures on news anchors who promote or indulge in hate speech. "Thus, if fine is there on anchors they will know that there is a price to pay for this.
Anchors can be taken off (air) too," the Court said. The Central Government responded by saying that it is planning to introduce comprehensive amendments to CrPC to tackle hate speech. "We are contemplating a separate amendment to the Criminal Procedure Code.
That is the stand of the Union of India," Additional Solicitor General (ASG) KM Nataraj submitted on behalf of the Central government. The Bench also observed that TV Channel’s self regulatory body NBSA is also not doing anything. "Unfortunately, you are not doing anything," the Court said. Senior Counsel Arvind Datar, appearing for NBSA, said that certain channels like Sudarshan TV and Republic TV do not fall within its jurisdiction.
This was in response to submissions by petitioners' counsel senior advocate Sanjay Hegde and advocate Nizam Pasha highlighting certain broadcasts made by Sudarshan News anchor Suresh Chavhanke.
The Court also asked the States to make their position clear on the broader issues projected in case. The Bench asked Amicus Currie to submit draft guidelines in the case on next date of the hearing.