The Union government on Wednesday informed the Supreme Court that the controversial ‘Bindas Bol’ programme aired by Sudarshan TV had prima facie violated the programme code and a show cause notice had already been issued to the channel. The programme, hosted by channel’s chief editor Suresh Chavhanke, is based on allegations of a conspiracy to infiltrate Muslims in government service.
According to provision 1(C) of the programme code in the Cable Television Network Rules, 1994, “no programme should be carried in the cable service which contains attack on religions or communities or visuals or words contemptuous of religious groups or which promote communal attitudes”.
The apex court had on September 15 restrained the channel from telecasting the remaining episodes of the programme, whose promo had claimed that the channel would show a 'big expose on conspiracy to infiltrate Muslims in government service', till further orders.
Saying "the intent" of the episodes "prima facie" appeared to "vilify" the Muslim community, a bench headed by Justice D.Y. Chandrachud had passed the order while hearing a plea which has raised grievance over the programme.
The top court had also sought suggestions of the Centre and the National Broadcasting Association (NBA) for strengthening the "self-regulating mechanism for electronic media."
Meanwhile, in an additional affidavit filed in the court, Chavhanke had said the channel would "abide and comply" by the programming code and directions of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting strictly.
