Delhi High Court issues notice to Republic TV, Times Now on plea by Bollywood producers

Nov. 9: Amidst the ongoing episode of denial of bail plea to Republic TV editor Arnab Goswami on the abetment to suicide case, another notice now has been served both on Arnab Goswami and his news channel Republic TV by the Delhi High Court. Infact, apart from Republic TV, Times Now and its editor Navika Kumar was also served notice over “irresponsible, derogatory and defamatory remarks” against the film industry and conducting media trials against its members on various issues.

Headed by Justice Rajiv Shakhder, the Delhi High Court bench also asked media houses AGR Outlier Media Pvt Ltd and Benet Coleman and Company Ltd to restrain from uploading defamatory content on social media platforms and displayed on their channels. The court was hearing the petition filed by 34 Bollywood production houses seeking restrain on the content aired by the media houses.

The counsel for the media houses gave assurance to the court that they will follow the programme code. The lawsuit by four Bollywood industry associations and 34 leading producers, has also sought to restrain them from interfering with the right to privacy of persons associated with the industry. The high court listed the suit for further hearing on December 14.

As per reports, Justice Rajiv Shakdher asked the news channels to follow the Programme Code provided under the Cable Television Networks Rules. He also said that the courts hesitate to restrain media reports but expect fair reporting. He also recollected the ‘lovely’ broadcasters of Doordarshan in its heydays.