Decisions

S.NO Channel Complainant Date of Broadcast Complaint Decisions
S.NO 21. Channel Various Channels Complainant Mr. Sharad Shah Date of Broadcast NA Complaint

14.2.2022 Complaint dated 14.2.2022 filed with Times Now: The complainant stated that the Karnataka Government and colleges, had banned wearing of Hijabs in educational institutions. The girls protested and some of their supporters had taken the matter to the High Court Instead of reporting the proceedings in the Court and advising the protesting girls to wait for Court decision the channels of Times Group has been conducting 2/3 acrimonious debates every day and was fanning the fire. This does not seem to be a small deviation from the norm but an agenda. The complainant requested for the Authority to look suo motu action

Decisions

9.3.2022
9.3.2022 NBDSA considered the complaint and decided that if the complainant is able to submit the date and time of the broadcast along with the video of the programme, it may be able to consider the complaint under the Regulations subject to the complaint being filed within the time prescribed under Regulation 8.1.6.

S.NO 22. Channel Zee Hindustan, TV9 Bharatvarsh and Times Now Navbharat Complainant Mr. Indrajeet Ghorpade Date of Broadcast 6.9.2021 Complaint

7.9.2021 The complainant stated that he had withdrawn his complaint against TV9 and Times Now as both the broadcasters had taken necessary corrective action. That his complaint against Zee News only was pending. ……….Zee Hindustan, while reporting about Taliban's capture in Panjshir Valley, Afghanistan on September 6th, showed visuals of air-strikes, claiming that these were Pakistani Airforce attacks. The complainant attached several screenshots containing visuals of the air-strikes shown by Zee Hindustan. Since inaccurate, misleading and unverified information to the viewers, in violation of the law and of NBSA's Code of Ethics, share a clarification and an apology on your channel Reply from the Broadcaster: The broadcaster stated that in the impugned telecast it had reported the rapidly changing dynamics and the situation in Afghanistan. The videos impugned by the complainant were received from reliable sources active in Afghanistan, who were monitoring the issue there. The broadcaster stated that immediately after airing the aforesaid videos, it had realized the veracity of the aforesaid videos and as soon as this inadvertent oversight came to its knowledge, the said videos were immediately removed by it from all the platforms. The broadcaster vehemently denied that the said telecast intended to show inaccurate, misleading and unverified information to the viewers but stated that the programme was aired in public interest to report the crisis in Afghanistan which was escalating every day.

Decisions

10.2.2022
10.2.2022 NBDSA noted that there was a delay of 35 days on the part of the complainant in escalating the complaint before the Authority under Regulation 8.2 of the News Broadcasting Standards Regulations (Regulations). After considering the application, NBDSA noted that the complainant had failed to satisfactorily explain the delay in filing the complaint as the programme was broadcast on 15.07.2021 when the Covid-19 pandemic was not at its peak. NBDSA rejected the complainant’s application seeking condonation of delay under proviso 1 to Regulation 8.2. NBDSA. and decided to inform the complainant and the broadcaster accordingly.

S.NO 23. Channel Zee News Complainant Mr. Matin Mujawar Date of Broadcast 15.7.2021 Complaint

20.7.2021 ZEE ????? ?? ???? ??? ???? ????? ?????? ???????????? ????? ???? ?????? ?? ?? ???? ????? ?? ?? ZEE ????? ?? ?????? ?????? ????? ??. ??????? ?? ???????? ??? ??. ?? ????? ?? ??? ??? ??? ?????? ?? ?? ???? ?????? ?? ???? ????? ??????? ???? ?? ?????? ??. ?????? ?????? ???????? ???? ???? ??????? ?? ???????? ???? ?? ????????? ??? ????? ?? ??? ??? ??? ???? ?? ????? ????? ??. "???????? ?? ???? ?? ???? ?? ??? ????? ?" ZEE ????? ?????? ????? ??? ?? ??? ?? ???? ??????? ???? ?? ?????? ?? ???? ????????? ?? ???? ???? ?? ?????? ???? ??. ?? ???? ????? ??????? ?? ?????? ???? ???? ???? ??. ?? ?? ???? ??????? ?? ???? ?? ???? ????? ???? ??. ZEE ????? ?? ?????? ?? ???????? ??? ??. ?? ?? ????? ?? ?????? ??? ??? ???? ??? ?? ??????? ?? ???? ?? LegalAid ???????? ???? ????? ????? ? ????? ???? ?????? ????? ?? ??? ?? ???? ??? ???? ?????? ??. ZEE ????? ?? ??????? ???? ?? ?????? ?? ??. ??????????? ?? ????? ???? " ??? ???????? ?? ??????? ???? ?? ??????? ?? ??? ?? ???? ??? ???? ??????? ?? ??? ???? ??. ZEE ????? ?? ???????? ?? ????? ???? ??? ?? ???????? ?? ????? ???? ?? ??????? ?????? ????? ??????? ??. *??????????? ?? ????? ???? *Religious Card on Terror *???? ???? ?????? ???? ?? ??? ???? *???????? ?? ??????? ???? ZEE????? ???????????? ?? ???? ???? ???? ??? ???? ????? ???? ?????? ???? ?????????? ?? ???????????? ?? ??????? ??? ???? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???? ??. ZEE ????? ????? ????? ???? ???? ?????? ? Disclamer ?? ????? ???? ????????? ???? ?? ???? ??. ZEE ????? ?? ???? ????????? ???????? ?? ?????? ?? ??? ??? ???? ?? ??????? ???????????? ????? ?? ??? ??. Reply from the Broadcaster: The broadcaster stated that in the programme titled Taal Thok Ke aired on Zee News on 14.07.2021, it had fairly, objectively reported and conducted panel discussion and debate on the decision of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind to provide legal aid to recently arrested two terror suspects by Anti-Terrorism Squad (‘ATS’) in Uttar Pradesh. It was relevant to mention here that the aforesaid terror suspects, who allegedly belonged to Al-Qaida and have Pakistani connection, were arrested by ATS and explosives substances were recovered with them. It was revealed during the investigation that the aforesaid suspects were planning bomb blasts in various cities of Uttar Pradesh. That considering the role of the terror suspects revealed during the investigation and their plan to carry out terror related activities in the State of Uttar Pradesh, the decision of the said organization to extend legal aid on the basis of religion of the said terror suspects became a matter of public and political discussion. Further, a controversial religious statement was made by the Jamait Chief Maulana Arshad Madani, who said – terrorism is being used as a weapon to destroy the lives of Muslim Youths. During the programme, it was clarified that terrorism has no religion. However, in the programme questions were raised regarding the intent and selective approach of the said organization which has always come forward to extend legal aid to the prime suspects of terror related activities/offences and it was asked as to what the said organization has done in favour of the victims of the terrorist attacks. The taglines objected to by the complainant were completely in the context of the issued raised in the programme and nowhere, the contents of the programme or any of the taglines used therein were intended to target or spread hate against any particular religion. The broadcaster stated that the impugned programme was completely neutral, objective, impartial and did not offend, in any manner the religious feelings of any community or religion and was never intended to disturb the communal harmony or incite communal violence. Nowhere, in the programme it had pre-judged the guilt or innocence of the terror suspects nor discussed or analysed the evidence collected by the investigating agencies. Further, the allegations of media trial of the terror suspects levelled against it were also completely false and baseless.

Decisions

10.2.2022
10.2.2022 NBDSA noted at its meeting held on 8.1.2022, noted that there was a delay of 33 days on the part of the complainant in escalating the complaint before the Authority under Regulation 8.2 of the News Broadcasting Standards Regulations (Regulations). After considering the application, NBDSA noted that the complainant had failed to satisfactorily explain the delay in filing the complaint as the programme was broadcast on 15.07.2021 when the Covid-19 pandemic was not at its peak. NBDSA rejected the complainant’s application seeking condonation of delay under proviso 1 to Regulation 8.2. NBDSA. and decided to inform the complainant and the broadcaster accordingly.

S.NO 24. Channel Times Now World Complainant Mr. Sharad Shah Date of Broadcast 29.4.2022 Complaint

3.5.2021 The complainant alleged that in the reporting and editing of the exit polls of the assembly election in Bengal it t was rather obvious that the anchor, while presenting the polls added “Jana ki baat” and later People’s Pulse poll only with the view to sign off reporting that according to the Times poll “TMC is leading but in poll of Polls BJP is leading”. He stated that by airing the impugned programme, the broadcaster violated the Code of Ethics & Broadcasting Standards relating to Impartiality, Neutrality & Fairness. Reply from broadcaster: The broadcaster vide reply dated 12.5.2021 stated that the complainant’s allegation ascribing intentional editing on the part of the broadcaster to showcase favourable numbers for or against a party was totally baseless and hereby denied. The poll coverage on Times Now was based on numbers gathered from reputed agencies and was put out objectively as part of the election-related coverage.

Decisions

10.2.2022
10.2.2022 NBDSA considered the complaint, reply from the broadcaster. . NBDSA decided that there was no merit in the complaint and, therefore, decided to reject the application seeking condonation of delay. NBDSA decided to close the complaint and inform the complainant and the broadcaster accordingly.

S.NO 25. Channel NDTV India Complainant Mr. Kishanlal Kuliyal [MoI&B] Date of Broadcast 21.5.2021 Complaint

22.5.2021 Complaint The complainant alleged that NDTV BBC Hindi news bulletin had telecast about the Indian variant B.1.617. Once again, they telecast a fake agenda against India. Covid-19. B.1.617, is not of origin from India they still ran the story “Indian variant”. In the story they mention “India variant” also found in UK and it spreads faster compared to UK variant. This is not “India variant” still NDTV run fake agenda and defame Indian Government.

Decisions

8.1.2022
8.1.2022 NBDSA considered the complaint and the response dated 22.7.2021 from the broadcaster. NBDSA noted that the complaint was regarding the use of the nomenclature “Indian variant” in the broadcast and observed that that these nomenclatures are commonly used. In view of the above, NBDSA noted there was no violation of the Code of Ethics & Broadcasting Standards or Guidelines in the broadcast and decided that no action was called for on the complaint. NBDSA decided to close the complaint and inform the MoI&B and the broadcaster accordingly.

S.NO 26. Channel Asianet News Complainant Mr. Divoraj R Nair [MoI&B] Date of Broadcast 28.4.2021 Complaint

28.4.2021 Complaint The complainant alleged that the news channel is spreading fake news that all States in India are facing vaccine scarcity. India is not giving vaccine to America and Brazil. America has scolded India for not giving vaccine. They are mocking the Indian Government. .

Decisions

8.1.2022
8.1.2022 NBDSA considered the complaint, response from the broadcaster dated 11.7.2021 and considered the translated script of the broadcast from Malayalam to English. NBDSA found that the broadcast related to the vaccine shortage in India, the apprehension that the rich and developed nations were hoarding the vaccines and the demand and supply of vaccines could be met if the technology is shared by the pharma companies as several organizations have the capability to produce the vaccines. The reporting was about the alleged nexus between pharma companies with the rich and developed nations. In view of the above, NBDSA noted that the news report did not violate the Code of Ethics & Broadcasting Standards or Guidelines. NBDSA decided that no action was called for on the complaint and decided to close the complaint and inform the MoI&B and the broadcaster accordingly.

S.NO 27. Channel NDTV India Complainant Mr. Kundan Singh [MoI&B] Date of Broadcast 22.3.2021 Complaint

22.3.2021 Complaint The complainant alleged that on 22.3.2021, NDTV India aired a programme on its channel relating to Karva Chauth. In the programme, it is alleged that a panellist made derogatory remarks against men of the Hindu samaj by stating that the whole year the men ill-treated their wives and on Karva Chauth, they make them happy and atone for their actions. .

Decisions

8.1.2022
8.1.2022 NBDSA considered the complaint and response dated 15.7.2021 from the broadcaster. NBDSA noted that the subject matter of the programme was different from what was being stated by the complainant. The programme was essentially based on the statements made by Mr. Tirath Singh Rawat, former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand in respect of “women are setting a ‘bad example’ for society by wearing ripped jeans” and on “Karwa Chauth” and the reactions/ replies of the panellists to the same. Since, the programme was a debate and the opinions of the panellist was in respect of the statements made by the former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, and this debate as well as opinions did not transgress the boundaries of objectivity and fairness, NBDSA is of the opinion that there was no violation of the Code of Ethics & Broadcasting Standards or Guidelines in the broadcast. NBDSA decided that no action was called for on the complaint and decided to close the complaint and inform the MoI&B and the broadcaster accordingly.

S.NO 28. Channel Puthiya Thalaimurai Complainant Mr. M. Ravi Kumar [MoI&B] Date of Broadcast 18.6.2021 to 30.6.2021 Complaint

6.7.2020 Complaint The complainant had alleged that Thanthi TV, Satyam TV, News 7, Kalaigner TV, Jaya TV Jaya News, Sun TV, Sun News, and Puthiya Thalaimurai were repeatedly broadcasting news related to a lock-up death in Satankulam with an intention to stimulate violence in Tamil Nadu. The complainant also stated that by repeatedly airing such news, these channels were attempting to promote enmity between the different groups of people and trying to create law-and-order issues in the State of Tamil Nadu to degrade the Government of Tamil Nadu and the Prime Minister of India. At the meeting held on 18.2.2021, NBDSA noted that it could only consider the complaints filed against Sun News and Puthiya Thalaimurai as the other broadcasters Thanthi TV, Satyam TV, News 7, Kalaigner TV, Jaya TV and Jaya News are not members of NBDA. Therefore, under the News Broadcasting Standards Regulations (said Regulations), the Authority had no jurisdiction to consider the complaints filed against them. The complaint against Sun News was considered by NBDSA at its meeting held on 18.2.2021 and its decision has been conveyed to the MoI&B and the broadcaster vide email dated 22.4.2022.

Decisions

8.1.2022
8.1.2022 NBDSA considered the complaint, response from the broadcaster and considered the translated script of the broadcast from Tamil to English. NBDSA found that the broadcast was only a factual narration of events related to the incident of the lock-up death in Satankulam and the broadcast was in public interest. NBDSA noted that as required by the Code of Ethics and Broadcasting Standards, the broadcaster had verified the reports prior to the broadcasts. Therefore, there was no violation of any Standards or Guidelines in the broadcasts. NBDSA decided that no action was called for on the complaint and decided to close the complaint and inform the MoI&B and the broadcaster accordingly.

S.NO 29. Channel NDTV India Complainant Mr. Rahul Sharma Date of Broadcast 5.11.2021 Complaint

6.11.2021 The complaint was in respect of a prime time show aired on 05.11.2021. The complainant stated that in the impugned programme, the anchor made a statement “???????? ??? ????? ??? ?????? ?????" alleging democracy. This statement was made against people supporting or giving excuses in support of price rise. The anchor insinuated that people who do not support his views are actually destroying democracy. The complainant stated that the anchor should just present news as such and should not impose his own communist thoughts on viewers.

Decisions

8.1.2022
8.1.2022 NBDSA took serious objection to the tone, tenor and language of the complaints which was deplorable and unacceptable. NBDSA decided to inform the complainant that irrespective of disagreement, he should exercise restraint and decorum in any discourse. In future if any such complaints are received which are derogatory, the complaint(s) will not be considered. NBDSA considered the complaints and the response dated 26.11.2021 of the broadcaster. In respect of the complaints dated 9.11.2021 and 13.11.2021, NBDSA noted since there was no reference to any specific violation in the broadcast and only allegations had been levelled in the complaint, therefore, no action was required to be taken on the complaint. In respect of the complaint dated 26.11.2021, NBDSA noted that there was no date of broadcast mentioned by the complainant in the complaint and therefore NBDSA could not consider the complaint. NBDSA decided to close the complaints and inform the broadcaster and the complainant accordingly.

S.NO 30. Channel ABP Majha Complainant Mr. Indrajeet Ghorpade Date of Broadcast Complaint

26.10.2021 ABP Majha had uploaded an article on its website and social media inaccurately stating in the headline / social media caption that “the Delhi High Court has said that same sex marriage do not have legal standing even though performing same sex marriages is not illegal” which was false. The complainant stated that these observations were not made by the Hon’ble Delhi High Court but were made by the Central Government, therefore, he requested the broadcaster, if it could edit the headline and publish a clarification posts on Twitter and Facebook regarding the same. Communication dated 2.11.2021 to channel The complainant thanked the broadcaster for updating the headline of the article to reflect accurate information: However, he asked the broadcaster if it could share the new updated article on its Facebook and Twitter platforms as a corrective measure. He stated thatfollowers of ABP Majha who were exposed to the old inaccurate article needto see the correct information. Also, he stated that since the caption of the tweet was still incorrect whether the broadcaster ask its team to delete this tweet. Further communication dated 9.12.2021 from the complainant to the channel: The channel removed the social media posts with the false information and have updated the article that had a false headline. However, the channel has not shared a clarification on social media that their earlier posts contain false information. The complainant requested NBDSA whether it can order the channel to post clarifying posts on all its social media accounts stating that the previously shared information was false and share the true information,.

Decisions

8.1.2022
8.1.2022 NBDSA considered the complaint. NBDSA noted that since the broadcaster had taken corrective action by removing the social media posts containing false information and by updating the article which contained the false headline, no further action was required on the complaint. NBDSA decided to close the complaint and inform the complainant and the broadcaster accordingly.