HC refuses to stay ban on telecast of ‘Ram Siya ke…’
CHANDIGARH: The Punjab and Haryana high court, on Monday, refused to stay the ban on the cable telecast of TV series ‘Ram Siya ke Luv Kush’, imposed by DCS across Punjab on Saturday on the directives of chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh. The ban on the telecast of the series stays for the time being, with the court adjourning the matter for September 12, 2019.
During a special hearing fixed on a petition by Colors TV channel, justice TS Dhindsa declined to grant a stay on orders passed by various district commissioners in their capacity as district magistrates.
Arguing the case on behalf of Punjab government, additional advocate general Rameeza Hakeem said the decision to ban the telecast was taken on the grounds that Rishi Valmiki had been portrayed in negative light, hurting the sentiments of the Valmiki community in the state.
During the hearing, which went beyond 5 pm, Colors TV contended that ban orders had been passed without adhering to principles of natural justice and without ingredients of Section 19 of Cable Operators Regulation Act. The channel also placed on record an offer from producers of the series to enter into dialogue with secretary home to discuss contentious scenes. They offered to delete the controversial scenes.
The court called upon additional advocate general to take instructions in the matter, especially on the offer made by producers to delete the scenes in question. Rameeza later said the offer will be considered by the state government, whose response will be submitted before court on the next date of hearing.
On Saturday, the CM had ordered immediate ban on the telecast of TV series ‘Ram Siya Ke Luv Kush’, which sparked protests among the Valmiki community, which had called for a bandh the same day. Endorsing their religious sentiments, the chief minister had also written to the Government of India to instruct home channels to stop telecast of the series.
THE HIGH COURT ASKS ADDITIONAL AG TO TAKE PRODUCERS’ OFFER TO DELETE OBJECTIONABLE SCENES TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT