NBDSA directs News18 India to delete segment suggesting Arvind Kejriwal’s guilt in excise case
New Delhi: The News Broadcasting Digital Standards Authority (NBDSA) has ordered News18 India to remove a segment of its broadcast following complaints about the show's handling of the excise case involving former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The segment, aired on March 28, 2024, during the show Goonj with Rubika Liyaquat, was deemed to have violated the Code of Ethics and Broadcasting Standards.
The complainant, Indrajeet Ghorpade, claimed that the show’s anchor, Rubika Liyaquat, wrongly implied Kejriwal's guilt by making statements like "aapki khaal uttar jayengi?" and "agar apne corruption nhi kara hota toh apke against itne bade charges frame nhi hoti?", which suggested his involvement in a scam while the matter is still sub judice. The complainant further alleged that the broadcast violated principles of impartiality, accuracy, and fairness, and that Liyaquat’s monologue against the freedom of speech during the debate was inappropriate.
Upon reviewing the footage, NBDSA, chaired by former Supreme Court Justice AK Sikri, found that while the anchor had the right to defend the Prime Minister, the attribution of guilt in a sub judice matter was a clear violation of the guidelines for reporting court proceedings. The authority emphasised that the anchor should have maintained a professional tone and refrained from engaging in debates that detract from the programme's purpose.
NBDSA instructed News18 India to edit the broadcast by removing the contentious segment within seven days of the order. The broadcaster denied the allegations, claiming the anchor had simply called for a respectful tone during the debate and had not implied Kejriwal’s guilt.
The complaint has been closed with the broadcaster advised to adhere to the guidelines in future broadcasts.
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Vijay says no to CM convoy until swearing-in: TVK
Chennai (PTI): TVK chief Vijay declined to accept the police convoy vehicles provided to Tamil Nadu chief minister as per protocol until his swearing-in, the party said on Thursday.
A police official confirmed that the CM convoy vehicles provided to him "as per protocol" following the announcement of the Assembly election results were returned and have not been withdrawn.
The official also said that arrangements were in place for the swearing-in ceremony.
The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) clarified that its party founder Vijay had "personally requested that the convoy vehicles be returned". In a statement here, the TVK said: "Vijay conveyed that he would accept the official chief minister-level security only after forming the government with a decisive mandate".
Four convoy vehicles assigned to Vijay on May 4 after his TVK secured 108 seats in the Assembly polls returned from his residence following his request.
Even on May 6, the police had deployed security near his Panaiyur residence and in front of the Lok Bhavan here when Vijay called on Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to stake his claim to form the government. Vijay did not use the government vehicle to meet the Governor.
