Indian Media to be banned from showing file footage of Babri Mosque demolition

[Spring Onion]

Media likely to be banned from showing file footage of Babri Mosque demolition

MUMBAI: Maharashtra government will write to the Centre for a ban on telecast of file footage and pictures of demolition of Babri Masjid as a part of security measures ahead of the verdict scheduled on September 24.

"We are writing to the Centre to ban the file footage and pictures of demolition of the masjid. The issue is very sensitive and the Government would take all possible measures to avoid any untoward incident," a Home Department official today said.

The state Government is also taking strict actions against spreading rumours, provoking SMSs and e-mails which are already being forwarded about the verdict or commenting on the religion, the official said.

The Home Department has organised series of meetings with police tomorrow to review the law and order situation across the state.

Chief Minister Ashok Chavan has convened a meeting with editors of all the media houses, religious and political leaders to help maintaining peace after the verdict, he said.

"The actual preparation would start after Ganesh immersion on September 22. The city and some sensitive parts in the state are put on high alert after the Delhi firing yesterday," the official said.

Read more: Media likely to be banned from showing file footage of Babri - The Times of India Media likely to be banned from showing file footage of Babri - The Times of India


Read more: Media likely to be banned from showing file footage of Babri - The Times of India Media likely to be banned from showing file footage of Babri - The Times of India

 

[Markus]

Yes, at government's insistence, NBA (News Broadcasters Association) has set guidelines for electronic media asking them not to speculate about the judgement and not to show the footage of 1992 Babri Masjid demolition.

I support this move. This is a very sensitive issue and reminding people of old memories can create problems.

 

[Spring Onion]

Yes, at government's insistence, NBA (News Broadcasters Association) has set guidelines for electronic media asking them not to speculate about the judgement and not to show the footage of 1992 Babri Masjid demolition.

I support this move. This is a very sensitive issue and reminding people of old memories can create problems.

Banning speculation is ok BUT putting Ban on media from showing the reality is against Media freedom.

 

[Markus]

Banning speculation is ok BUT putting Ban on media from showing the reality is against Media freedom.

When you know that showing footages can remind people of old memories which has the potential of disturbing the peaceful atmosphere and can create further wedges among people then there is nothing wrong in such a move.

We need to be sensible, blind media freedom is of no use.

 

[Abu Zolfiqar]

The Indian Constitution, while not mentioning the word "press", provides for "the right to freedom of speech and expression" (Article 19(1) a). However this right is subject to restrictions under sub clause , whereby this freedom can be restricted for reasons of "sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, preserving decency, preserving morality, in relation to contempt, court, defamation, or incitement to an offense". Laws such as the Official Secrets Act and Prevention of Terrorist Activities Act (PoTA) have been used to limit press freedom. Under PoTA, person could be detained for up to six months for being in contact with a terrorist or terrorist group.

under what legal framework will this ban be placed on the footage....? Or is it simply a way to display (hide?) national shame over an atrocity that never should have been committed in the first place

 

[SpArK]

Good move by the government.
Preventing a communal conflict is more important than channel ratings for sure.

 

[Markus]

under what legal framework will this ban be placed on the footage....? Or is it simply a way to display (hide?) national shame over an atrocity that never should have been committed in the first place

Your post itself had the answers to your questions.

See the point: public order

The footage ban is to maintain law and order as history shows that this topic really has the power to influence people and throw normal life out of gear.

 

[Abu Zolfiqar]

^^^^^^

Re: the social and inter-communal fabric in hindustan


would communal riots be inevitable?

 

[SpArK]

^^^^^

Prevention is better than cure.. Good to know that you guys started to love our media now. Thanks buddy.

 

[Abu Zolfiqar]

Your post itself had the answers to your questions.

See the point: public order

The footage ban is to maintain law and order as history shows that this topic really has the power to influence people and throw normal life out of gear.

media's role during the 60+ hour mumbai drama caused more damage to ''order'' than anything else....what to say of that (not to delve too much on off-topic things)

 

[majesticpankaj]

^^^^^^

Re: the social and inter-communal fabric in hindustan


would communal riots be inevitable?

yes, it is possible. it is better to be safe than sorry. good job by india.

 

[Markus]

^^^^^^

Re: the social and inter-communal fabric in hindustan


would communal riots be inevitable?

Anti social and anti national elements use such occasions to spread violence. Showing of sensitive footage 24 x 7 by Indian channels will only complicate the problem.

 

[Abu Zolfiqar]

^^^^^

Prevention is better than cure.. Good to know that you guys started to love our media now. Thanks buddy.

 

[lionheart1]

Banning speculation is ok BUT putting Ban on media from showing the reality is against Media freedom.

we dont need to learn about media freedom from you. before you talk about our media first check out about your media when police slammed into geotv for showing the reality of your army govt, now recently so many news channels were blacked out for showing something about your president. we have system and our govt follows that system .

 

[hecj]

india cant afford violence on the religion bases atleast from now.a good move indeed