WILL COMPLY WITH LAWS, SAYS SUDARSHAN TV; URGES SC TO LIFT INJUNCTION

NEW DELHI: Television channel Sudarshan News filed a fresh affidavit before the Supreme Court on Sunday, stating that it will comply with all laws in airing the remaining episodes of a controversial programme relating to the entry of Muslims in civil services, and appealed for the lifting of a September 15 injunction on the telecast.

The affidavit filed by editor-inchief of the channel, Suresh Chavhanke, reiterated the channel’s earlier stance that it does not harbour any ill will against any particular community and reaffirmed its commitment to abide by the Programme Code.

“I will strictly comply with all laws while airing the remaining episodes of ‘Bindas Bol’ program series on the subject of UPSC {Union Public Service Commission} jihad. The respondent (Chavhanke) further states that he will abide and comply by the programme code and directions of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting strictly,” the affidavit filed through advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain said.

Interestingly, Chavhanke, in his affidavit, highlighted two shows aired by NDTV, one in September 2008 titled Hindu Terror: Myth or Fact, and another in 2010, titled Is Saffron Threat Real? which, he submitted, “pained” and “shocked,” him.

Meanwhile, the News Broadcasters Association (NBA) also filed an affidavit before the apex court asking the court to pass directions to ensure that the Code of Ethics laid down by NBA for self-regulation of TV news channels should be given the force of law by including it under the Programme Code.

THE EDITOR REITERATED THE CHANNEL’S STANCE THAT IT DOES NOT HARBOUR ANY ILL WILL AGAINST ANY PARTICULAR COMMUNITY