Supreme Court declined to consider two petitions requesting the establishment of regulations for television news channels and the creation of an independent board or media tribunal to address content-related complaints on these channels. Justices Abhay S Oka and Sanjay Karol stated that viewers have the option to refrain from watching such channels, and emphasized the need to balance the industry’s freedom of speech and expression.
“Who compels you to watch all these channels? If you do not like them, then do not watch them. When some wrong thing is shown, it is also about perception. Is there not freedom of expression? Even if we say no media trials, how can we stop things on the internet and all? How can we grant such prayers? Who takes it seriously, tell us? There is freedom not to press the TV button,” Justice Oka remarked. He added that those who are offended by content on TV have legal remedies available. “In a lighter vein, what all is said about judges on social media, Twitter; we do not take it seriously. Who will lay down guidelines? Tell your clients not to watch these news channels, and do something better with their time.”
During the proceedings, the highest court was reviewing two public interest litigations (PILs), with one being submitted by Reepak Kansal, a lawyer based in Delhi. Kansal’s PIL advocated for the establishment of an autonomous regulatory body for news broadcasters aimed at tackling “sensational reporting.”
