SC seeks govt’s reply on allowing pvt radio to broadcast news

The Supreme Court has sought the response of the Centre on a plea seeking its direction for allowing private FM radio stations, including community radios, to broadcast news. A bench comprising Chief Justice J S Khehar and Justice D Y Chandrachud asked the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to file its reply within four weeks.

The bench was hearing a PIL, seeking a direction to the Centre that private radio stations



and community radios be also allowed to broadcast news as they are more accessible for the masses, particularly the poor.The apex court had earlier issued notice to the Centre on the PIL way back on 17th of October 2013.

The plea said unlike television channels, none of the 245 private FM channels and 145 community radio stations in the country are allowed to broadcast their own news and current affairs programmes.