The government has lost little time in telling the Supreme Court that it must look into regulating digital media first before it lays down standards for electronic media.
Ahead of a hearing today, in a statement on standards for electronic media, the government said in its affidavit to the Supreme Court: “Digital media has faster reach, potential to become viral due to apps like WhatsApp and Facebook.”
“Digital media has serious impact and because of its potential, the court must first take up digital media,” it says.
As questioned by NewsBred yesterday on the strange views of Justices DY Chandrachud and KM Joseph, that electronic media and not digital media needs be regulated, and that five “distinguished” persons should ideally monitor it, which amounted to curbing the freedom of press in the name of “regulating” it, the government appears to agree with our viewpoint.
The government has pointed out that electronic and print media are already “governed by statutory provisions and judgments.” It said that electronic media has precedents on the matter too.
The centre’s affidavit is linked to a case against a private TV channel Sudarshan TV which has been paused for the time being.
The government also wants the top court to appoint Amicus Curiae—a friend of the court—or a committee to assist the court in formulating guidelines.
