TV assaults family values: SC

The court, which was hearing a PIL, gave three weeks to the Centre to clarify its stand on the Broadcasting Bill, aimed at regulating content on electronic media, reports Satya Prakash.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday slammed the government for “increasing obscenity and violence” on television.

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“Can there be even one single day in the 365 days of a year on which a family can sit together and watch TV without an assault on their basic values?” a three-judge bench headed by Justice BN Agrawal asked Additional Solicitor General Gopal Subramanium.

The court, which was hearing a PIL, gave three weeks to the Centre to clarify its stand on the Broadcasting Bill, aimed at regulating content on electronic media.

Opposition from broadcasters has delayed the bill for the past 11 years.

Subramanium said the government was going slow as the issue involved the right to freedom of speech and expression. He, however, suggested that the court could lay down guidelines till the legislation comes.