MIB advises private satellite TV channels not to telecast India's Daughter

Whereas a number of private TV channels have been showing certain excerpts of a programme titled 'India's Daughter , proposed to be telecast by the BBC and the NDTV. The excerpts contain an interview with one of the convicted rapists of the Delhi gangrape victim of December, 2012. These excerpts were telecast on various channels throughout the day, with visuals of the convict, who was showing no remorse whatsoever for the heinous act. Further, the excerprs also contained his chauvinistic and derogatory views regarding women in general and the victim in particular. These programmes also provided a platform for the convict to use the media to further his own case, especially when his appeal against his conviction, is sub-judice. 

Whereas the telecast of these excerpts appear to encourage and incite violence against omen, thus compromising women's public safety. They also provide encouragement to antisocial elements to indulge in violent acts compromising law and order. 

Whereas the telecast of these excerpts appear to compromise the role of the media as the upholder of constitutional values as the fourth pillar of our democracy. The media is likely to be seen as a voice for the perpetrator of such crimes by providing him a medium to communicate his views on the matter repeatedly. Further, his appeal being sub-judice, this is also liable to be construed as interference with the due process of law.

Whereas the telecast of these excerpts are liable to attract provisions of Rule 6 (1) (d, e, f, i, k and o) of the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994. 

All the private satellite TV channels are accordingly advised to not telecast the documentary 'India's daughter or any excerpts from therein or any programmes based on these excerpts. 

Any violation of the Programme Code shall invite such action as provided for in the Cable TV Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 and Rules framed thereunder as well as the terms and conditions stipurated in the uprinking/downrinking guiderin