SC Lifts Central Govt’s Ban on MediaOne News Channel

New Delhi: Central Government’s order to ban the telecast of Malayalam news channel MediaOne was overruled by the Supreme Court on Wednesday. The Central Government had stopped the telecast of this Malyalam news channel on the grounds of national security.

The apex court said that the channel’s criticism of the government’s policies and actions cannot be construed as anti-national or anti-establishment. The Supreme Court also pointed out that an independent press is essential for a vibrant democracy.

The court led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud criticized the Union Home Ministry for raising national security claims out of “thin air”. The court said, “National security can’t be raised to deny people their rights… it was raised by the Home Ministry in a cavalier manner in this case.”