Ever since the controversial ‘The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019’ was passed by Lok Sabha, and then by Rajya Sabha, there has been protests and agitation across some state in the country.
TV Channels haven’t stopped ever since, showing the violence and torching of buses/cars/offices by the agitators.
Now, Govt has issued an order for all TV Channels, asking them not to show content which can incite violence.
Opposition parties have slammed the Govt. over this gag order, and have described this as the 2nd Emergency.
Govt Gag Order For TV Channels
In a letter signed by Director Amit Katoch from Information and Broadcasting Ministry, it has been ordered by Govt. that no TV channel will show content which encourages anti-national activity, and incites violence.
TV channels have been asked to stop broadcasting content, which is ‘likely to encourage or incite violence or contains anything against maintenance of law and order’
The advisory says that TV channels should refrain from broadcasting content which ‘promotes anti-national attitudes and/or contains anything affecting the integrity of the nation.’
This advisory letter has been sent to Rajat Sharma from India TV, who is the President of News Broadcasters Association, NP Singh, President of The Indian Broadcasting Foundation and to all DTH providers, cable operators and MSOs operating in India.
Opposition Up In Arms Against This Gag Order
The opposition parties have reacted strongly to this gag order issued by Govt to the entire media industry.
TMC leader and MP from Rajya Sabha, O’Brien tweeted the letter issued by Govt. and said, “I&B Ministry Advisory to TV channels tantamount to media censorship #CitizenAmendmentBill2019 Stop intimidating the #media A second Emergency!”
Congress leader Pranav Jha described this as repression, and tweeted:
“By issuing this advisory, is the Govt is actually ordering the Media to not show protests against the #CAB ?
After the Internet ban, this is Media ban. Repression at any cost.
Condemnable to say the least.”
Internet services have already been blocked in Assam and Meghalaya, over increasing violence which has erupted, due to opposition to the controversial bill.
We will keep you updated, as more details come in.
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