(a) whether it is a fact that the youths are influenced by the obscenity and
vulgarity through the electronic media and print media and due to careless attitude
of the film industry resulting in the rapes, murders and other anti-social activities
in the society;
(b) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto; and
(c) the steps being taken by the Government in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION & BROADCASTING (SHRI MANISH TEWARI)
(a) to (c) No such study has been brought to the notice of this Ministry. There is no
pre-censorship of programmes telecast on Private TV channels. However, all programmes and
advertisements telecast on TV channels and transmitted/retransmitted through the Cable TV
network are required to adhere to the Programme and Advertising Codes prescribed under the
Cable TV Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 and Rules framed thereunder. Action is taken as
per rules whenever violation of Codes is brought to the notice of the Government.
In respect of films, Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) primarily certifies films
for public viewing. In February, 2013 an expert committee was setup under Chairmanship of
Justice Mukul Mudgal to review matters relating to Film Certification. The Committee
submitted its report in September, 2013 along with a draft Cinematograph Bill which has
since been uploaded on the Ministry’s website www.mib.nic.in. Among issues that were
examined by the Mudgal Committee was the issue of the guidelines for certification which
closely concerns itself also with the subject of obscenity and vulgarity in films.
The Government, in pursuance of its policy to uphold the freedom of press, does not exercise
any control on the content in print media. However, the Press Council of India (PCI), a
statutory autonomous body has been set up under the Press Council Act, 1978 to maintain and
improve the standards of newspapers and news agencies in India and also to inculcate principles
of self-regulation among the press. The PCI in furtherance of its objective under Section 13 (2) of the Act has been mandated to build up a code of conduct for newspapers, news agencies
and journalists in accordance with high professional standards. Accordingly, the Press Council
has formulated ‘Norms of Journalistic Conduct’ for adherence by the media. The relevant norm 17
relating to ‘Obscenity and Vulgarity, is available at website i.e www.presscouncil.nic.in . The
PCI, on specific complaints/suo moto adjudicates under section 14 of the Act and if satisfied
that any violation of norms has taken place, it takes action to warn, admonish or censure the
publication/journalist concerned.