NBSA imposes 1 lakh fine on News18 Kannada for inciting religious hatred, Rs. 50,000 on Suvarna News
Reporting on Tablighi Jamaat
This report was first published in barandbench.com and has been posted here without any alterations or editing. To read the original report, CLICK HERE
The News Broadcasting Standards Authority (NBSA) imposed Rs. 1 lakh fine on News18 Kannada and Rs. 50,000 on Suvarna News for their reporting of the Tablighi Jamaat incident of March 2020.
The NBSA also censured English news channel Times Now for the same
The Tablighi Jamaat incident happened in March 2020 when Nizamuddin area in Delhi was sealed on March 30 after it came to light that several people, who had attended a religious event held in March at Nizamuddin by a Muslim organisation called Tablighi Jamaat, were found to be infected with Coronavirus.
At least 16,500 people had visited Tablighi Jamaat’s headquarters in Nizamuddin between March 13 and 24.
This had led to various news reports pinning the blame on Muslim community for spreading COVID.
With regard to News18 Kannada, the NBSA ruled that the manner in which certain programmes were presented were highly objectionable and based on conjecture.
The programmes in question were aired on April 1, 2020 under the titles 'Do you know how is Delhi’s Nizamuddin Markaz which has spread Coronavirus to the nation' and 'How many have gone to Delhi’s Jamaat Congregation from Karnataka'.
“The tone, tenor and language (of the programmes) was crass, prejudiced and disrespectful. The programmes were prejudiced, inflammatory, and crossed all boundaries of good taste without concerns for feelings of a religious group. It was aimed at promoting and inciting hatred between communities,” the NBSA said in its order.
Besides imposing fine of Rs. 1 lakh, the NBSA also directed the channel to telecast an apology prior to the 9 pm news on June 23.
With regard to Suvarna News, the NBSA said that six broadcasts aired between March 31, 2020 and April 4, 2020 lacked objectivity and impartiality and were overtly prejudiced against a particular religion.
"The titles of the programmes had an insidious effect which could incite communal violence," the NBSA opined.
On the reporting of Times Now, the NBSA ruled that many of the visuals aired by the channel did not corroborate the statements made by the anchor on the programme titled 'Is Tablighi Jamaat wilfully sabotaging India'.
"The manner tenor and words used by the anchor could have been avoided," the NBSA said.
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Hundreds of TVK supporters return disappointed from cancelled swearing in ceremony venue
Chennai (PTI): Hundreds of TVK supporters, fuelled by the hope of seeing their leader Vijay as chief minister, gathered at Nehru Indoor Stadium in the city on Thursday, only to be met with locked gates and a lack of information regarding the scheduled proceedings.
Many supporters, travelling from various parts of the state, near and far, like Arumbakkam and Coimbatore, expressed deep disappointment and confusion upon finding the premises closed and without official communication.
Speaking to PTI Videos, fans and party loyalists described a sense of heartbreak after arriving early to secure a place in line.
Charulatha, a supporter, noted the emotional toll of the situation: "We came with so much joy thinking he would become the chief minister today, but there is nothing here. The gates are closed. It is very painful."
Sai Deepika, her daughter and a student set to enter the 12th grade, shared her excitement for the event: "I was very excited to be here. I have been telling everyone he will win and do good things for the people."
A visibly distressed Gunasundari, a long-time political observer from a family of AIADMK supporters, stated she shifted her loyalty to Vijay: "I publicly say I voted for Vijay. I have a belief that he will help those in need. Seeing the gates closed like this is a shock."
Despite the confusion on the ground, the gathered crowd remained steadfast in their political choice. Several supporters highlighted Vijay’s decision to fund party activities independently as a key reason for their trust.
"He didn't take a single rupee from the people for his flag or the stage. He did it all himself," said an emotional Gunasundari. "Even if they try to shame him or create obstacles, he is the one who will eventually win."
Many attendees cited news reports and social media claims as their reason for arriving early on Thursday morning. Some supporters mentioned they had travelled via public transport and waited for hours under the impression that an official declaration or event was imminent.
"My son told me that declarations were made yesterday and everyone was coming today," Gunasundari added. "I didn't even tell him I was leaving; I just started my journey to see him in person for the first time".
