Sudarshan News UPSC Jihad Show: Centre Urges SC Not To Lay Down Further Guidelines For Rest Of Mainstream Media

The Centre has urged the Supreme Court to confine the matter regarding Sudarshan News' 'UPSC Jihad' show to the channel and not lay down any further guidelines to the mainstream media, reports Indian Express.

In an affidavit filed in the apex court, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said that there are sufficient framework and guidelines for the electronic media and print media and they are earlier governed by cases and precedents.

The Centre’s affidavit came after a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court directed Sudarshan TV to defer the broadcast of its programme on big expose on the conspiracy regarding Muslims "infiltrating government service’, until further orders.

"The issue of balancing freedom of speech and responsible journalism has already been governed by statutory provisions and judgments," the affidavit said.

“In view of the issue having already received attention of Parliament, as well as of this Hon’ble Court, the present petition be confined to only one channel namely Sudarshan TV, and this Hon’ble Court may not undertake the exercise of laying down any further guidelines with or without appointment of an Amicus or a Committee of persons as Amicus," the affidavit added.

The ministry further urged the apex court that if it undertakes an exercise to regulate media then it should be "digital media" first as it has a faster reach from a wider range of viewership.

"Digital media has faster reach, potential to become viral due to apps like WhatsApp and Facebook," says the Centre's affidavit, adding that "Digital media has serious impact and because of its potential, the court must first take up digital media".