The Supreme Court (SC), on October 8, 2020, stated that “the Freedom of Speech and Expression is being abused the most, in the recent times” in response to a petition some muslim organisations seeking action against television channels for poor media coverage on the Tabligh Jamaat incident of the Nizamuddin Markaz, which took place earlier this year. The channels have been allegedly airing misleading information about Tablighi Jamaat and reportedly spreading communal hatred over them.
The petitions were filed by Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind and others accused the media channels for viewing the Pandemic in a communal aspect and spreading hatred towards their community by giving out misleading information. They also sought action against media organisations for doing so.
The court asked the centre whether it had taken any step in this regard a junior official at the Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry had filed the affidavit containing ‘unnecessary’ allegations regarding the media coverage for the incident. A secretary-level official from the I&B Ministry was sought by the SC to file an affidavit in reference to the false media coverage and ensure that these incidents were not repeated in the future. The court also asked the central government to clarify which provision would specifically be used by the government to impose a bar on the broadcast of television channels.
Sources: hindustan times