I&B Ministry Permits Sudarshan News To Air Remaining Episodes Of ‘UPSC Jihad’ Subject To Modifications

The Information and Broadcasting Ministry on Wednesday (19 November) permitted Suresh Chavhanke led Sudarshan News to air the remaining episode of its ‘UPSC Jihad’ series subject to suitable modifications and moderations, Bar and Bench has reported.

The I&B Ministry in its order stated that, "The Ministry finds that they are not in good taste, offensive and has a likelihood of promoting communal attitudes".

The Ministry at the same time noted that while examining all the facts and circumstances of the matter and the fundamental rights of the broadcaster, it has decided to caution Sudarshan News to be more careful in the future.

The Ministry also stated that Sudarshan News is not barred from airing the remaining episodes of the series but it needs to review their content so that there is no violation of the program code.

Sudarshan News suffered a severe backlash from certain sections after it announced its show ‘UPSC Jihad’, wherein among other things, it alleged that Zakat Foundation which gives UPSC coaching to Muslim aspirants, is funded by anti-India organisations.

A legal battle ensued and the Supreme Court stayed the airing of the remaining episodes. Hearing in the matter will continue today.