Take anchors who spread hate off air, media cannot divide society: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court seems to be very strict regarding hate speech cases. On Friday, while hearing several petitions filed related to hate speech, the court has expressed concern about the way TV channels are also working. The court has said that everything runs on TRP. Channels are competing against each other. The court bluntly said that the anchors who spread hatred should be taken off air. Media cannot do the work of dividing the society.

During the hearing, Justice Joseph said, “They sensationalise it. Because of visuals, you create division in the society. Visual medium affects more people than newspapers. Our viewers, are they ready to watch such content?” Fully matured?” Justice Joseph asked the counsel representing the News Broadcasters and Digital Association, what can be done if anchors of TV programs are part of the problem. NBSA should not show favoritism. How many times have you removed anchors?

As per ‘Live Law’, he further said, “In a live programme, the key to the fairness of the program rests with the anchor. If the anchor is not fair… the anchor would like to project one side, he/she may mute the other side.” Will not question any one side. This is a symbol of partiality. Media people must learn… They must see that they are occupying a position of great power and what they are saying is to the whole country affects.” The Justice said that offending anchors should be taken off air and heavy fines should be imposed on channels that are violating the program code. Wherever possible, you should harm them financially.

Justice Joseph also criticized the use of words by TV channels against Shankar Mishra, who is accused of urinating in an Air India flight. He said, “No one should be insulted. Everyone has the right to respect.” A bench of Justices KM Joseph and BV Nagaratna was hearing a batch of petitions seeking action against hate speech. These petitions were filed by Sudarshan News TV regarding ‘UPSC Jihad’ campaign, ‘Corona Jihad’ campaign in the wake of Tablighi Jamaat issue, Dharma Sansad meetings and issuing guidelines to ban hate speech.