The Supreme Court on Wednesday set aside the Centre’s broadcast ban over ‘national security’ concerns on Malayalam news channel channel MediaOne. A bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justice Hima Kohli rapped the home ministry for making claims out of ‘thin air’ while asserting that a free press is crucial in a democracy.
The channel had telecast comprehensive reports around the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protests around the country in 2020. In 2022, its license renewal request was refused by the Centre. The court added that a channel cannot be banned on the grounds of it being considered as ‘anti-government’.
The apex court was hearing the plea of the channel against the Kerala High Court's order which had upheld the Centre's decision.
Also read | Can’t disclose reasons for seeking ban on MediaOne: Centre
Here are the top 5 quotes of the Chandrachud-led bench:
- National security claims cannot be made on the basis of thin air…to deny people their rights...it was raised by the MHA in a cavalier manner in this case.
- Centre can't claim absolute immunity against investigative reports when such reports impact rights of people & entities.
- Press has a duty to speak truth to power. The State can't impose unreasonable restrictions on the press as it would have a chilling effect on freedom of the press.
- Critical views of the channel MediaOne on policies of the government cannot be termed anti-establishment. The use of such a terminology in itself represents an expectation that the press must support the establishment.
- Courts should appoint an amicus curiae to assess the claims of confidentiality and assist the court in coming out with a reasoned order.