Lok Sabha Question No. 825 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-07-24
Subject: Violation of Norms by TV Channels
Ministry: INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
Asked by: RAYAPATI SAMBASIVA RAO, GOPALAKRISHNAN CHINNARAJ

**GOVERNMENT OF INDIA**

**MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING**

**LOK SABHA**

**UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 825**

**TO BE ANSWERED ON 24/07/2015**

**VIOLATION OF NORMS BY TV CHANNELS**

**825. 	SHRI RAYAPATI SAMBASIVA RAO:**

**DR. C. GOPALAKRISHNAN:**

Will the Minister of **INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING** be pleased to state:

(a)	whether the Government/Indian Broadcasters Association (IBA) has received complaint against a number of TV channels found violating programme code and norms;

(b)	if so, the details thereof during each of last three years, channel-wise and the details of the norms which have been violated by these channels along with action taken by the Government thereon, channel-wise; and

(c) 	the steps taken/proposed to be taken for strictly follow up the programmes code and norms prescribed by the Government/?

**ANSWER**

**MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION & BROADCASTING     [COL RAJYAVARDHAN RATHORE (Retd.)]**

(a): 	Content telecast on private satellite TV channels is regulated in accordance with the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 and the Rules framed thereunder. There is no provision of pre-censorship of the content telecast on such TV channels. However, all programmes telecast on such TV channels are required to adhere to the Programme Code prescribed under the said Act and the Rules famed thereunder. The said code contain a whole range of parameters to regulate programmes on TV channels. Action is taken whenever violation of the Codes is brought to the notice of the Ministry

(b):  	The details of action taken against TV channels for telecasting programmes in violation of the Programme Code during the last three years and the current year is annexed at Annexure.

(c): 	The existing provisions contained in the Programmes Code are considered adequate to regulate the content on TV channels.

**************

**ANNEXURE**

**ANNEXURE AS REFERRED TO IN PART (b) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 825 FOR 24.07.2015**

**Action Taken on violation of Programme and Advertisement code by Private TV channels in last three years and current year.**

**Year – 2012**

|   **Sl. No.** | **Name of the Channel**             | **Cause of Action**                                                                                                                                                                                   | **Details of action taken**                                                                                                             |
|---------------|-------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|             1 | SS TV                               | Telecast of programme titled 'Sizzling Hits'  showing  obscene and vulgar content                                                                                                                     | An Order 08.02.2012 was issued to the channel prohibiting the transmission of the channel for seven days.                               |
|             2 | All channels                        | News programmes on movement of troops                                                                                                                                                                 | An Advisory dated 11.04.2012 issued to all channels, NBA, IBF, NBSA & BCCC .                                                            |
|             3 | FX channel                          | Telecast of programme 'Harper's Island', 'Crash', 'Mad Men Sutra', 'Frasier', 'Saving Grace' and 'Scoundrels' showing obscene visuals                                                                 | A Warning dated 18.04.2012 was issued to the channel.                                                                                   |
|             4 | Sony TV                             | Telecast of  Hindi feature film 'The Dirty Picture' during day-time                                                                                                                                   | A letter dated 20.04.2012 was issued to the channel directing it not to air the Hindi feature film 'The Dirty Picture' during day time. |
|             5 | Sony TV                             | Telecast of Hindi feature film 'The Dirty Picture' in view of Order of Allahabad High Court.                                                                                                          | A letter dated 21.04.2012 was issued to the channel directing it not to air the Hindi feature film 'The Dirty Picture' during day time. |
|             6 | Fox Crime                           | Telecast of programmes 'Sleeper Cell' and '1000 ways to die' showing obscene visuals.                                                                                                                 | A Warning dated 08.05.2012 was issued to the channel.                                                                                   |
|             7 | Sony Pix                            | Telecast of some English feature films, containing  content   offending  good taste and decency.                                                                                                      | A Warning dated 16.05.2012 was issued to the channel.                                                                                   |
|             8 | Channel [V]                         | Telecast of programme 'Love Net 2' containing indecent, vulgar and obscene content                                                                                                                    | A Warning dated 28.05.2012 was issued to the channel.                                                                                   |
|             9 | News Live                           | Telecast of a news item defaming an individual.                                                                                                                                                       | A Warning dated 28.05.2012 was  issued to the channel.                                                                                  |
|            10 | All News & Current Affairs channels | Reference dated 13.07.12 from NCPCR for issue of directive w.r.t. protection of Identity of Children in need of care and Protection and Juveniles in conflict with law.                               | A Directive dated 08.08.2012 was  issued to the all News & Current Affairs channels.                                                    |
|            11 | ET Now                              | Telecast of a programme "Brand Equity" showing direct promotion of " Kingfisher Beer"                                                                                                                 | A warning dated 12.09.2012 was issued to the channel.                                                                                   |
|            12 | Star Cricket                        | Telecast of advertisement of "VB Best Coke Beer" during the telecast of 'Australia Vs. New Zeeland Test Series on 4.12.2011                                                                           | A warning dated 12.09.2012 was issued to the channel                                                                                    |
|            13 | All News & Current Affairs channels | Telecast of programmes as news items showing clippings from films not certified for unrestricted public exhibition                                                                                    | An Advisory dated 19.09.2012 was issued to the channel.                                                                                 |
|            14 | Zee Trendz                          | Telecast of programme 'Bikini Destination' containing obscene, indecent and vulgar visuals                                                                                                            | An Advisory dated 05.11.2012 was issued to the channel.                                                                                 |
|            15 | All News & Current Affairs channels | Direct Telecast of  the events  round the clock  relating to public demonstration likely to encourage violence and against maintenance of law and order and likely to promote anti National attitude. | An Advisory dated 23.12.2012 was issued to the channel.                                                                                 |
|            16 | All News & Current Affairs channels | Direct Telecast of  the events  round the clock  relating to public demonstration likely to encourage violence and against maintenance of law and order and likely to promote anti National attitude. | An Advisory dated 29.12.2012 was issued to the channel                                                                                  |

**Year – 2013**

|   **Sl. No.** | **Name of the Channel**             | **Cause of Action**                                                                                                                                                                                                 | **Details of action taken**                                                                                                   |
|---------------|-------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|            17 | Enterr 10                           | Telecast of Hindi feature film 'Musafir' , 'Plan'  and 'Ashiq Banaya Apnne'-  'A' certified films.                                                                                                                  | An order dated 08.01.2013 was issued to the channel prohibiting  the transmission of the channel for one day .                |
|            18 | Zing                                | Telecast of Hindi feature film "Hawas" - 'A' certified film.                                                                                                                                                        | An order dated 08.01.2013 was issued to the channel prohibiting  the transmission of the channel for one day .                |
|            19 | Manoranjan TV                       | Telecast of Hindi feature film "Topless" - "A' certified film.                                                                                                                                                      | An order dated 08.01.2013 was issued to the channel prohibiting the transmission of the channel for one day .                 |
|            20 | SS TV                               | Telecast of Trailer of the film "Friends with Benefits" which was not certified by CBFC for telecast on TV channels.                                                                                                | An order dated 08.01.2013 was issued to the channel prohibiting the transmission of the channel for one day .                 |
|            21 | FTV                                 | Telecast of an advertisement of Vodka on 2.3.2011 in a programme Fashion TV Launch Party                                                                                                                            | An Advisory dated 17.01.2013 was  issued to the channel.                                                                      |
|            22 | Sadhna TV                           | Telecast of programme " Adhyatamik Gyan Charcha" showing content contemptuous of religious groups, defamatory and content likely to encourage violence                                                              | A Warning dated 06.03.2013 was issued to the channel.                                                                         |
|            23 | Comedy Central                      | Telecast of Programme "The Wonder Years" showing content against good tests and decency and child denigrating                                                                                                       | An Advisory dated 28.03.2012 was  issued to the channel.                                                                      |
|            24 | FTV                                 | Telecast of programme "Desigers in High Definition" on 11.9.11, "Chantellie Lingrie, Paris" on 12.09.11 & "Lingerie" on 15.09.11 and "15th Anniversary-Top Designers" showing obscene and women denigrating content | An Order dated 28.03.2013 was issued to the channel prohibiting the transmission of the channel for 10 days                   |
|            25 | NDTV Good Times                     | Telecast of programme "Life a Beach" during April, May ,2011 showing obscene and women denigrating content                                                                                                          | An Advisory dated 02.04.2013 was issued to the channel.                                                                       |
|            26 | Mahuaa                              | Telecast of Hindi feature film 'Aulaad' and 'Ek Aur Kurukshetra' -  'A' certified films.                                                                                                                            | An order dated 25.04.2013 was issued to the channel  prohibiting the transmission of the channel for one day.                 |
|            27 | AXN                                 | Telecast of Hindi feature film 'Darkness Falls' -  'A' certified film.                                                                                                                                              | An order dated 25.04.2013 was issued to the channel  prohibiting the transmission of the channel for one day.                 |
|            28 | Movies Ok                           | Telecast of Hindi feature film 'Dil Jale' -  'A' certified film.                                                                                                                                                    | An order dated 01.05.2013 was issued to the channel  prohibiting the transmission of the channel for one day.                 |
|            29 | Comedy Central                      | Telecast of programme "Stand Up Club"                                                                                                                                                                               | An order was issued on 17.05.2013 prohibiting the transmission of the channel for 10 days                                     |
|            30 | IBN 7                               | Telecast of the Advertisement of "Axe Shower Gel" containing vulgar and indecent content.                                                                                                                           | An order dated 29.05.2013 was issued directing the channel to furnish an undertaking regarding not airing such ads in future. |
|            31 | Sandesh News                        | Telecast of programme "Aaj No Mahima, Desh Ni Gruh Dasha" showing superstition and blind relief                                                                                                                     | An Advisory issued on 07.06.2013 to all TV channels including this channel.                                                   |
|            32 | All channels                        | Telecast of  a programme which showing superstition and blind belief.                                                                                                                                               | An Advisory dated 07.06.2013 issued to all channels.                                                                          |
|            33 | MTV                                 | Telecast of the advertisement of "Axe Shower Gel" containing vulgar and indecent content.                                                                                                                           | An order dated 17.06.2013 was issued directing the channel to furnish an undertaking regarding not airing such ads in future. |
|            34 | VH1                                 | Telecast of advertisement of "Axe Shower Gel" showing obscene and women denigrating content                                                                                                                         | An order dated 17.06.2013 was issued directing the channel to furnish an undertaking regarding not airing such ads in future. |
|            35 | Colors                              | Telecast of advertisement of "Axe Shower Gel" showing obscene and women denigrating content                                                                                                                         | An order dated 17.06.2013 was issued directing the channel to furnish an undertaking regarding not airing such ads in future. |
|            36 | News Time Assam                     | Telecast of programme revealing  the identity of children caught inhaling drugs.                                                                                                                                    | An order dated 05.09.2013 was issued  to run apology scroll for two days.                                                     |
|            37 | N TV                                | Telecast of  News report showing contents offending good taste and decency and women denigrating                                                                                                                    | An order dated 18.09.13 issued to the channel to run the  apology scroll  for three days.                                     |
|            38 | All News & Current Affairs channels | Telecast of  inflammatory and provocative news/programmes in a sensational manner.                                                                                                                                  | An Advisory dated  20.09.2013 was issued to the channel.                                                                      |
|            39 | Zoom TV                             | Telecast of Film "Teesri Aankh - 'A' certified film.                                                                                                                                                                | An order dated 01.10.2013 was issued  to prohibit the transmission or re-transmission  for one day                            |
|            40 | ABN Andhra Jyoti                    | Telecast of a song based programme on       "Ide Mallea Velavani" containing obscene and women denigrating content                                                                                                  | An order dated 01.10.2013 was issued to the channel to prohibit the transmission or re-transmission for seven days.           |
|            41 | Manoranjan TV                       | Telecast of 'A' Certified Hindi feature film "Ek Chatur Nar"                                                                                                                                                        | An order was issued on 17.05.2013 to prohibit the transmission or re-transmission of channel for seven days                   |
|            42 | BIG CBS LOVE                        | Telecast of programme "Excused" containing women denigrating content                                                                                                                                                | An order was issued on 15.10.2013 to the channel to prohibit the transmission or re-transmission of  channel for one day.     |
|            43 | All channels                        | Guidelines for media reporting on children (NCPCR)                                                                                                                                                                  | An Advisory dated 17.10.2013 to all channels.                                                                                 |
|            44 | All News & Current Affairs channels | Comparison of speech of the  Prime Minister  with the speech of other political leaders on Independence Day                                                                                                         | An Advisory dated 21.10.2013 was issued to the all News & Current Affairs channels.                                           |
|            45 | UTV Bindass                         | Telecast of  a programme "Emotional Atyachaar Season 3" containing obscene content                                                                                                                                  | An order dated 06.11.2013 was issued to prohibit the transmission or re-transmission  for three days                          |
|            46 | Khoj India                          | Telecast of news report revealing the identity of mentally challenged rape victim and her child                                                                                                                     | A warning dated 23.12.2013 was issued to channel                                                                              |
|            47 | Manoranjan TV                       | Telecast of various films without showing CBFC certificates                                                                                                                                                         | A warning dated 26.12.2013 was issued to the channel                                                                          |
|            48 | News X                              | Channel had carried a news scroll on the health of Hon'ble President of India on June 23, 2012                                                                                                                      | An Advisory dated 26.12.2013 was  issued to channel.                                                                          |

**Year – 2014**

|   **Sl. No.** | **Name of the Channel**             | **Cause of Action**                                                                                                                                                                 | **Details of action taken**                                                                                                                                                                                              |
|---------------|-------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|            49 | WB                                  | Telecast of a  "V/UA" certified film "It's a Boy Girl Thing" showing obscene and women denigrating content                                                                          | An order dated 16.01.2014 was issued  for taking the channel off air for one day.                                                                                                                                        |
|            50 | All News & Current Affairs channels | Telecast of  Republic Day Parade with commentary, advised to carry the signals of DD with sign language interpretation                                                              | An Advisory dated 23.01.2014 was  issued to all news channels.                                                                                                                                                           |
|            51 | Lemon News                          | Telecast a news report, revealing the identity of the sexually abused women                                                                                                         | A warning dated 10.03.2014 was issued to channel                                                                                                                                                                         |
|            52 | Bansal News                         | Telecast a programme 'Ladkiyon Ka Gumnaam Bodyguard  promoting superstition and blind belief                                                                                        | A warning dated 11.03.2014 was issued to channel                                                                                                                                                                         |
|            53 | NE TV                               | Telecast of news bulletins showing  the dead bodies and badly injured people without morphing or blurring                                                                           | A warning dated 12.03.2014 was issued to channel                                                                                                                                                                         |
|            54 | Zee TV                              | Telecast of a serial 'Jodha Akbar" containing content promoting communal attitudes, encouraging violence and also defamatory content                                                | A warning dated 20.03.2014 was issued to the channel                                                                                                                                                                     |
|            55 | India News                          | Telecast of programme 'Rahasya"  promoting superstition and blind belief                                                                                                            | A warning dated 25.03.2014 was issued to channel                                                                                                                                                                         |
|            56 | Big Boss-Season-7                   | Telecast of a reality show Bigg Boss Season-7                                                                                                                                       | An Advisory dated 26.03.2014 was issued to channel                                                                                                                                                                       |
|            57 | Amrita TV                           | Telecast of 'A' Certified film, 'The Don'                                                                                                                                           | A warning dated 27.03.2014 was issued to channel                                                                                                                                                                         |
|            58 | DY 365                              | Telecast disturbing of Dead Bodies Without making them blurs.                                                                                                                       | A warning dated 07.05.2014 was issued to the channel                                                                                                                                                                     |
|            59 | Sony TV                             | Telecast of objectionable Comedy Show 'Kahani Comedy Circus Ki'.                                                                                                                    | A Directive dated 20.05.2014 issued to Sony TV for compliance directions of the Court of the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities as also the provisions contained in the programme and advertisement codes. |
|            60 | All TV Channel                      | Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has raised concerns on depiction of rash, negligent and dangerous driving in Various programmes, serials, news features, etc. on TV channels. | An Advisory dated 23.05.2014 was issued to All TV Channels.                                                                                                                                                              |
|            61 | All TV Channel                      | Telecast of Advertisement on " Zaitoon Tara Edible Oil" The advertisement claims that edible oil prevents cancer.                                                                   | An Advisory dated 26.06.2014 was issued to All TV Channels.                                                                                                                                                              |
|            62 | All channels                        | TV Channels continue Telecast Films without displaying CBFC Certificates.                                                                                                           | An Advisory dated 29.05.2014 was issued to All TV Channels.                                                                                                                                                              |
|            63 | News Time Assam                     | Telecast of News story  defame the image of MLA and denigrating women.                                                                                                              | An order was issued on 24.07.2014 to the channel to prohibit the transmission or re-transmission of channel for one day.                                                                                                 |
|            64 | DY 365                              | Telecast of News story  defame the image of MLA and denigrating women.                                                                                                              | An order was issued on 24.07.2014 to the channel to prohibit the transmission or re-transmission of  channel for one day.                                                                                                |
|            65 | All TV Channel                      | Telecast objectionable advertisements which is upheld by CCC.                                                                                                                       | An Advisory dated 21/08/2014 was issued to all channel                                                                                                                                                                   |
|            66 | Vasanth TV                          | Telecast a programme called 'Vaimaye Vellum' revealed the identity of  sexually abused minor children                                                                               | A warning dated 27.08.2014 was issued to the channel                                                                                                                                                                     |
|            67 | News Live TV                        | Telecast of news bulletins showing  the dead bodies and badly injured people without morphing or blurring                                                                           | A warning dated 01.09.2014 was issued to the channel                                                                                                                                                                     |
|            68 | TV-5  TV                            | Telecast of news report showing young girl stabbing  visuals without morphed nor blurred.                                                                                           | A warning dated 02.09.2014 was issued to the channel                                                                                                                                                                     |
|            69 | Kalaignar TV                        | Telecast of news report showing  the dead bodies and badly injured people without morphing or blurring                                                                              | A warning dated 02.09.2014 was issued to the channel                                                                                                                                                                     |
|            70 | Naxatra News                        | Telecast of allegedly defamatory/fabricated Programme.                                                                                                                              | An order dated 05.09.2014 was issued to the channel to carry version of opposite party.                                                                                                                                  |
|            71 | Headlines Today                     | Telecast of special programme called "Muzaffarnagar Conspiracy Exposed'.                                                                                                            | A warning dated 31.10.2014 was issued to the channel                                                                                                                                                                     |
|            72 | Sudarshan TV                        | Telecast of programme called "Siyaasi Dango Mai UP".                                                                                                                                | A warning dated 31.10.2014 was issued to the channel                                                                                                                                                                     |

**Year – 2015**

|   **Sl. No.** | **Name of the Channel**   | **Cause of Action**                                                                                                                                   | **Details of action taken**                                                                                                                                            |
|---------------|---------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|            73 | Colors TV                 | Telecast of programme namely " Fear Factor Khatron Ke Khiladi-Darr Ka Blockbuster"                                                                    | A order dated 08.01.2015 was issued to the channel thereby warning the channel and directing it to run an apology scroll for on day                                    |
|            74 | Lemon News                | Telecast of programme namely "Khauf Ke 10 Destination"                                                                                                | A warning dated 19.01.2015 was issued to the channel                                                                                                                   |
|            75 | NTV Telugu News           | Telecast a song-based programme 'Cine Colors'                                                                                                         | An order dated 19.01.2015 was issued to the channel for taking the channel off air for seven day.                                                                      |
|            76 | All News Channels         | Telecast a programme of Republic Day Parade with sign language commentary on 26th Jan., 2015                                                          | An Advisory dated 19.01.2015 was issued to the all News channels                                                                                                       |
|            77 | All News Channels         | Telecast of documentary programme India's Daughter                                                                                                    | An Advisory dated 03.03.2015 was issued to the all News channels restraining not to telecast the said documentary programme.                                           |
|            78 | All TV Channel            | Telecast of live coverage of counter-terrorism operations.                                                                                            | An Advisory dated 20.03.2015 was issued to all TV channels.                                                                                                            |
|            79 | 24 Ghanta TV              | Telecast of news report showing   death of a young man without morphing or blurring                                                                   | An Warning dated 23.03.2015 was issued to channel                                                                                                                      |
|            80 | NTV                       | Telecast of news report revealed the identity of sexual harassment  minor boy                                                                         | An Warning dated 23.03.2015 was issued to channel                                                                                                                      |
|            81 | DY 365                    | Telecast of News report revealing the identity rape victim.                                                                                           | An order was issued on 26.03.2015 to the channel to prohibit the transmission or re-transmission of  channel for one day.  Broadcaster has sought review of the order. |
|            82 | NDTV Good Times           | Telecast of programme namely 'WHY AM I STILL SINGLE'.                                                                                                 | An order was issued on 26.03.2015 to the channel to prohibit the transmission or re-transmission of  channel for one day.  Broadcaster has sought review of the order. |
|            83 | TLC                       | Telecast of programme namely 'SEX SENT ME TO THE ER'                                                                                                  | An order was issued on 26.03.2015 to the channel to prohibit the transmission or re-transmission of  channel for one day.  Broadcaster has sought review of the order. |
|            84 | Satlon News               | Telecast of News report about a private corporate party organised in a five star hotel on the Pune-Mumbai highway                                     | An order was issued on 27.03.2015 to the channel to prohibit the transmission or re-transmission of  channel for 30 day.                                               |
|            85 | TV9                       | Telecast a 'Bullet News' political satire targeting Chief Minister of Telangana.                                                                      | An order was issued on 27.03.2015 to the channel for running apology scroll.                                                                                           |
|            86 | Jai Hind                  | Telecast of 'A; certified film, titled 'Hai Harithe'                                                                                                  | An order was issued on 07.04.2015 to the channel to prohibit the transmission or re-transmission of  channel for one day.                                              |
|            87 | Aljazeera TV              | Telecast of News report carried wrong graphical map of India repeatedly.                                                                              | An order was issued on 10.04.2015 to the channel to prohibit the transmission or re-transmission of  channel for 5 day.                                                |
|            88 | Sudarshan News            | Telecast of a programme called BINDAAS BOL making allegation about non-salutation of National Flag on the Republic Day by the Hon'ble Vice President. | A warning dated 17.06.2015 was issued to the channel.                                                                                                                  |
|            89 | Raj News                  | Telecast of disturbing visuals of dead bodies without blurring.                                                                                       | A warning dated 22.06.2015 was issued to the channel                                                                                                                   |
|            90 | Russia Today TV           | Telecast of obscene programme 'Crazy Alert'                                                                                                           | An Advisory dated 06.07.2015 was issued the channel.                                                                                                                   |
|            91 | Raj News                  | Telecast of disturbing visuals of a women body burning up into flames without blurring.                                                               | A warning dated 02.07.2015 was issued to the channel.                                                                                                                  |

***********