(a) the codes and the rules that apply to programming in the Indian television;
(b) the steps taken by the Government on violations of these rules and codes by television channels; and
(c) the circumstances under which the Government is empowered to ban a television channel?
THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST & CLIMATE CHANGE; AND MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
(SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)
(a): All programmes and advertisements telecast on private satellite TV channels are required to adhere to the Programme and Advertising Code prescribed under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 and Rules framed thereunder.
(b): An Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) under the Chairmanship of Additional Secretary, Ministry of I&B and comprising officers from Ministries of Home Affairs, Defence, External Affairs, Law, Women and Child Development, Health & Family Welfare, Consumer Affairs and a representative from the industry in Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) looks into specific complaints regarding violation of the Programme and Advertising Codes. The final decision on the alleged violations is taken by the Ministry on the basis of the IMC recommendations.
(c): Under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 the Central Government is empowered to prohibit transmission of a channel or a programme if it is considered necessary due to national security or in public interest or if it is found to be in violation of Programme & Advertising Code. Similar mandate is available under the Uplinking and Downlinking Guidelines, 2011, in respect of private satellite TV channels.
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