Ensure broadcast based on official press releases: HC tells news channels

The Delhi High Court on Monday directed news channels to adhere to the guidelines governing them and to ensure that all broadcasts carried while reporting liquor scam case are based on official press releases by the investigation agencies.
The bench also issued notice to 5 channels impleaded by Vijay Nair. He alleged that the sensitive information related is being leaked to the media. While hearing the petition moved by businessman Vijay Nair, the bench of Justice Yashwant Varma passed the above directions. The matter has been listed on 7 February, 2023.
The bench also perused the status report and heard the submissions made by the counsel for the CBI and ED. The counsel for CBI submitted that the agency issued 3 press releases. The press releases do not contain what has been broadcast. ED’s counsel said that they did not issue any press releases. Justice Verma asked the counsels, Where from they are getting the information?
The counsel replied that the channels only answer this.
Advocate Nisha Bhambhani, the counsel for News Broadcaster and Digital Standard Authority (NBDSA) submitted that some of the channels are not our partners. We are not monitoring what they broadcast. “If self-regulation is a mere eyewash, then why should we not disband you?,” Justice Varma asked the counsel for NBDSA while expressing displeasure over the reporting made by news channels.
The bench asked the counsel about certain channels and whether they are members or not. Where from they are getting the information related to disclosure made to CBI? You call them and ask them. The counsel for NBDA said that I can communicate and ask them to remove the content. The counsel submitted that some of the channels are members of the News Broadcaster and Digital Association (NBDA). I won’t be able to tell where from they are getting the information.
After noting the submission the bench directed to Implead NBDA and examine what has been broadcasted. The court also said the broadcast in the instant matter was not according to the press releases issued and in accordance with the guidelines and directives. This constrained the petitioner to approach this court. This is not a case where atleast at this stage it can be said that the information was collectively leaked or provided by the investigating agencies,” the bench said. “….What the news channels publish has to be in line with the disclosures made by CBI, ED…it could be something which is reflected from order, where are they getting from?” It asked.