Amidst strong protest by all television news channels, the Mumbai police today ordered all the city-based cable and the multi system operators to black-out the news channels all over the city as it did not adhere to the programme code.
Currently, most of the news channels have been blocked in several parts of the Mumbai.
The order issued by the deputy commissioner (enforcement), Mumbai police said that it was authorised to block any television programmes that is likely to disturb the public tranquility.
Imposing section 19 of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act 1995, that governs all cable operators, the Mumbai police said: "Transmission of various clippings / live relay / coverage of the actions taken by the police against the terrorists in South Mumbai is causing impediment in the police action... and causing several operational difficulties..."
Section 19 of the Cable TV Act empowers the authorised officers to prohibit transmission of certain programmes that are not in conformity of the programme code and is likely to disturb the public tranquility.
"This is absolutely ridiculous. We are all responsible news channels and we are, in fact, helping the residents of Mumbai with updated and correct information of all the actions happening in Mumbai. We are also showing how Mumbai is going about its business without any fear... Blocking us is shameful," Ashok Venkatramani, chief executive, Media Content and Communications Services (MCCS), that manages news television channels-Star News, Star Majha and Star Ananda-told Business Standard.
Commenting on the order, Ashok Mansukhani, president, MSO Alliance said: "This goes against the freedom of press. Its a very sensitive matter. We have forwarded the order from Mumbai police to the news broadcasters."
Speaking to Business Standard, G Krishnan, CEO, TV Today Network that runs Aaj Tak and Headlines Today said: "We have got the report now that news channels are being switched-off across Mumbai. Let us take stock of the situation before I react...."
