Plea for restrictions on OTT platforms: SC asks petitioner to make representation before govt
New Delhi (PTI): The Supreme Court on Friday asked a petitioner, who raised the issue of clamping restrictions on over-the-top (OTT) platforms claiming that they show nudity and inappropriate scenes, to make a representation before the government.
A bench of Justices B R Gavai and Sandeep Mehta was told by the counsel appearing in the court on the petitioner's behalf that the issue raised in the plea is whether OTT platforms can be allowed to publish or show contents that are not appropriate for viewers of all ages without any restrictions.
The counsel alleged that inappropriate scenes depicting nudity are being shown on OTT platforms.
"Go to the censor board," the bench told the petitioner.
"You want some directions on viewer control?" it asked the petitioner, adding, "You make a representation to the government."
The petitioner's counsel then sought permission to withdraw the plea with the liberty to approach the government with a representation on the issue.
The apex court allowed the petitioner to withdraw the plea with the liberty to make a representation to the government.
It said if such a representation is made, it should be decided in accordance with the relevant laws.
When the bench told the petitioner's counsel that the plea has raised questions on a movie, the lawyer said the issue is regarding nudity shown on OTT platforms.
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BJP will form govt in Bengal with thumping majority: Nabin
Mirzapur (UP) (PTI): BJP president Nitin Nabin on Wednesday voiced confidence that his party will form the government in West Bengal with a "thumping majority".
Polling is underway for 142 constituencies in the second and final phase of the West Bengal assembly elections, covering key districts, including Kolkata, Howrah and North and South 24 Parganas.
The high-stakes contest is being seen as decisive for the ruling TMC's bid for a fourth consecutive term and the BJP's push to form its first government in the state. The first phase held on April 23 recorded a high voter turnout of over 93 per cent, reflecting intense electoral engagement.
Speaking to reporters in Mirzapur, Nabin said, "The BJP will form the government in Bengal. We are winning the elections with a massive majority."
Earlier in the day, the BJP chief visited the Vindhyavasini temple and offered prayers. The rituals were conducted by his priest Acharya Agastya Kumar Dwivedi.
On his first visit to the district after assuming office, Nabin was welcomed by party workers at several places. At the temple, he was received by city MLA Ratnakar Mishra and District Magistrate Pawan Kumar Gangwar, who felicitated him with a traditional 'angvastram'.
After offering prayers for about 10 minutes amid Vedic chants, Nabin held a meeting at a hotel with local MLAs, including Mishra, Majhwan MLA Suchismita Maurya and Madihan MLA Ramashankar Patel.
Patel said Nabin emphasised strengthening the organisation and asked public representatives to focus on serving people in their respective constituencies.
Several party leaders, including district president Lal Bahadur Saroj, district vice-president Gaurav Umar, municipal chairperson Shyam Sundar Kesari, women workers and senior officials, were present on the occasion.
Elaborate security arrangements were put in place by the district administration for the visit, with multiple officers of circle officer rank deployed, officials said.
