‘Digital Media spreading Venomous hatred, regulate that first’: Centre again tells SC

Digital media is spreading venomous hatred and is involved in “deliberate instigation” of violence and terrorism, the government told the Supreme Court today, saying that the court should regulate web-based media first. The government also suggested that the court should leave it to parliament to decide on rules for electronic media.

“There is absolutely no check on the web-based digital media. Apart from spreading venomous hatred, deliberate and intended instigation to not only cause violence but even terrorism it is also capable of indulging in tarnishing the image of individuals and institutions. The said practice is, in fact, rampant,” said the government in an affidavit.

This is the government’s second affidavit recommending guidelines for digital media in a case related to private channel Sudarshan TV’s show that claims “Muslims are infiltrating” government services.

According to the affidavit, broadcaster and publisher, when finding themselves under the radar for certain content, may start using digital media to publish the same thing since the latter has no regulations.

While stating that a little fine-tuning is sufficient in so far as improving self-regulatory mechanism is concerned, the affidavit held that the apex court may not widen the scope of present petition by laying down any wider guidelines of general application and leave it to the competent legislature to do so.

The affidavit also sought to address the concerns of the bench, which had previously observed during the course of the proceedings that electronic media uses airwaves, which are public property, and hence liable to all reasonable restrictions.

The court is hearing a petition asking for a ban on Sudarshan TV over its “UPSC Jihad” episodes on the show “Bindas Bol”. The court has put the show on hold, saying it attempts to vilify Muslims.

The top court had also voiced concern during hearings about the race for TRPs and “sensationalism” on TV. The case has been keenly watched at a time the seamy coverage of the Sushant Singh Rajput death investigations by some channels has been criticised.