Major Indian TV Group Approaches Supreme Court Against Modi’s Blackout Order

New Delhi (Sputnik) — NDTV, one of India’s popular mainstream Television networks, has challenged the Modi government’s order to impose a day-long blackout on Wednesday. The order applies only to the Hindi news channel of India’s first 24 X 7 TV news group.

The government has instructed the distributors to keep NDTV-India off-air on Wednesday.

A panel set up by the Federal Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had observed that NDTV had disclosed “strategically sensitive” information. This had several ramifications including de-moralization of citizens and security forces, collateral damage to critical assets, and apprehension among families of those serving in combat.

However, NDTV has summarily rejected the charge, claiming that its coverage was “particularly balanced’’ and it had been “singled out since every channel and newspaper had similar coverage.’’

The Government is facing severe criticism for a “politically motivated” decision that some opposition parties said was arbitrary and not good for democracy. India’s Editors' Guild has slammed the order as “punitive’’ and suggested that the Government in such cases should approach the courts.

However, the social media seems to be largely divided on the questions of “press freedom” and “national interest.” Some activists uploaded clips of NDTV reports that allegedly disclosed sensitive information while others asserted that the channel was being punished for putting tough questions to the government. 

​The ban has put into perspective two important things. First, the way mainstream media is perceived by Indians and whether the flow of information should be regulated in times of conflict. Second, it has highlighted how social media prominently shapes the course of a debate.