Centre advises TV channels against giving platform to persons facing charges of serious crimes such as terrorism

The Information and Broadcasting Ministry on Thursday advised TV channels against giving any platform to persons facing charges of serious crimes such as terrorism, and those belonging to banned outfits, in an apparent reference to the appearance of U.S.-based “terrorist” Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on a news channel a day ago.

The advisory has been issued in view of Section 20 of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, which lays down the circumstances and conditions under which the Centre can regulate or prohibit transmission/re-transmission of any programme.

The Union Home Ministry had designated Pannun as an “individual terrorist” under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in July 2020. His organisation, Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), was banned in 2019. Multiple cases have been registered against the SFJ and him, alleging anti-India activities and links with other pro-Khalistan banned outfits.