Complaint filed against Republic, Arnab Goswami under Cable TV Act
Pune: In what can create more trouble to Republic TV Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami, another complaint has been filed against him and his channel. The complaint has been filed by a Pune-based social activist Nilesh Navlakha earlier last month.
This time complaint against Goswami and his channel have been filed under Cable Televisions Network (Regulation) Act, 1995. In the complaint, Nilesh has alleged that Goswami owns 82% stakes in Republic Channel for conducting shows that promote religious polarization and communal hate.
The complaint although primarily calls out Goswami’s primetime show on Palghar Lynching of two Hindu Sadhus, also says it is not “restricted” to one case but takes into consideration various debates aired on Goswami’s primetime.
"We have narrated six prominent, recent debate shows conducted by Goswami in which his arguments and words used were communal which he kept repeating in his shows. The words and tonality are intended to promote communal attitudes and news are based on religious innuendos and half-truths," Nilesh’s lawyer, Asim Sorade contended.
Nilesh in a statement said that the misuse of freedom of expression by Goswami and his channel posed a serious threat before the independent media as it violates the freedom of expression of the viewers, as it is the viewers' right to get correct, complete and true information.
Elaborating about Goswami's behavior, Navlakha said that he has created what is termed 'Impulse Control Disorder' in psychiatry.
Sarode said: "Intermittent Explosive Disorder is a kind of 'impulse control disorder' which involves sudden episodes of impulsive, aggressive, violent behavior or angry verbal outbursts in which you react grossly out of proportion to the situation."
"This is not less than running an organized crime syndicate of making the human minds to follow a fanatic terrorist thought process. When WhatsApp group admins are being booked under the law, then why the CTNRA provisions are not being invoked against such tendencies," Sarode asked.
In the complaint, it is pointed out how eminent persons have walked out of Goswami's shows because of his name-calling tactics, like labeling cricketer Sachin Tendulkar "anti-national" in one of his shows.
Navlakha and Sarode claimed that Goswami has violated the Programme Code under the CTNRA, the channel has indicated it is against sovereignty, integrity and security as also against public order, decency, and morality, making it a serious issue and a cognizable offense.
It urged the Pune police chief to take suitable action against the wrongs committed to disturbing the peace, law & order in society and book Goswami under the CTNRA Section's 16, which attracts a jail term of two years plus fine.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Strictest action promised after students forced to remove sacred thread at Bengaluru CET exam centre
Bengaluru (PTI): Bengaluru Urban Deputy Commissioner Jagadeesha G on Monday said the government has decided to take the “strictest possible action” against those responsible for allegedly forcing some students to remove their ‘janivara’ (sacred thread) before entering the venue of the CET exam last week.
He said a committee of senior officials constituted to inquire into the incident reported that, prima facie, it appears the students were “intentionally” made to remove the ‘janivara’.
The city police have already booked three staff members of a private college in Bengaluru for allegedly forcing some students to remove their ‘janivara’ before entering the venue of the Common Entrance Test (CET-2026) last week.
Similar incidents last year in Shivamogga and Bidar had triggered controversy, following which the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) issued clear directions not to force students to remove any religious identification or symbol during exams.
“Despite KEA taking measures such as appointing dress code officials and providing training on dos and don’ts to prevent such incidents from recurring after last year’s cases, there has been a dereliction of duty this time,” Jagadeesha told reporters here.
“To take strict action against those responsible, an FIR has been registered, and arrests have been made. An inquiry has been conducted by senior officials, and those responsible have been suspended,” he added.
Stating that the inquiry report has been submitted at the district level, he said it will be forwarded to the government.
Based on the findings, it has also been decided that KEA will not conduct CET exams at the institution where the incident occurred, he added.
“The strictest possible action is being taken by the district administration and the government,” he added.
The deputy commissioner had constituted a committee headed by the additional deputy commissioner to investigate the incident and submit a report within two days.
“Exams have been held at several centres across the state, and nowhere else has this issue occurred. If students were forced to remove ‘janivara’ at this centre, it appears that it was intentional. We have taken it seriously,” he said, adding that strict action has been recommended to ensure such incidents do not recur.
Noting that senior officials were appointed for the inquiry, the DC said that after a thorough investigation and verification—which included statements from students, the school principal, exam observers, CCTV footage, and documents—it prima facie appears that students were intentionally made to remove the ‘janivara’.
“We are recommending strict action. The government has also ordered a detailed police investigation, and an FIR has been registered in connection with the incident,” he added.
