DELHI HC DISMISSED A PIL SEEKING ENFORCEMENT OF REGULATIONS ON TV CHANNELS REPORTING MASS SCALE DEATHS

3rd May 2021

The Delhi HC dismissed a PIL filed by Lalit Valecha seeking directions for enforcing the code of ethics/Regulations on TV channels reporting sensitive news articles like mass scale deaths. The 
Petition seeks to restrain to broadcast such news, as it is spreading negativity.
The Petition contended that the TV news channels are airing negative images/visuals 24/7. 
People are confined indoors, and they tend to watch new channels. It is important to note that 
Article 19 is not absolute; TV channels should ensure that by airing such adverse visual, they do not indulge in glorification. Adequate precautions must be taken while showing any visual instance of pain, suffering, and details of self-harm of any kind so that they do not cross boundaries of good taste and decency and cause no harm to the public at large. 
Division bench of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice Jasmeet Singh dismissed the PIL after 
observing that information public about covid 19 deaths and situation is not a piece of negative 
news. 

Pc - New York Times
Author – Papiha Ghoshal