Govt lifts 48-hr ban on Kerala news channels

New Delhi, March 7

The government today revoked the 48-hour ban on two Malayalam news channels hours after imposing the punitive measure on separate charges of being critical of the RSS, Delhi Police and siding with one community while covering last month’s violence in Delhi.

It was not immediately clear whether widespread criticism of the ban on Asianet News and Media One channels prompted the government to withdraw the restrictions.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar told reporters in Pune that PM Narendra Modi expressed concern over the entire issue, adding the government supported press freedom. Without going into specifics, Javadekar said he would look into the matter and take “essential steps” if any wrongdoing is found.

“I will definitely go into the details and take essential steps if there is any wrongdoing. But let me also tell you that everybody should accept that there has to be responsible freedom,” he said.

Asianet News Editor MG Radhakrishnan said they had contacted the ministry on the issue and spoken to relevant people explaining its position on the matter.

Media One Editor-in-chief CL Thomas said his channel had not reached out to the government and the ministry “suo motu” revoked the ban.

The Congress and Left parties had come down hard on the government for the punitive action, calling it “stifling of media freedom”. — PTI