The Supreme Court today revoked the centre's ban on Malayalam news channel 'MediaOne' and pulled up the government for denying security clearance to the TV channel. The centre had contended that it had denied clearance on the basis of intel inputs
'The State is using the plea of national security to deny the rights of the citizens. This is incompatible with the rule of law.The mere involvement of issues relating to national security will not allow the State to not act fairly.'
The Supreme Court on Wednesday lifted the telecast ban imposed by the Union Government on the Malayalam news channel MediaOne, stating that the state cannot deny the rights of citizens by merely raising the plea for national security.
The Central government's refusal to renew broadcasting license of Malayalam news channel MediaOne citing national security concerns, was set aside by the Supreme Court on Wednesday.
The Intelligence Bureau had relied on programs and remarks made on MediaOne on NRC, CAA, UAPA and the judiciary's verdicts to conclude that the channel had an anti-establishment stance.