The Delhi high court on Tuesday ordered uninterrupted transmission of Telugu news channel TV9 and others after the service providers discontinued the earlier this month under alleged pressure from the newly-formed Telugu Desam Party government in the state.
A vacation bench of Justice Mini Pushkarna passed the order after the multi-system operator/service provider concerned said the transmission of the channel was unhindered in the Telugu-speaking states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
"This court at the outset records the submission made by learned counsel appearing for respondent no. 2 (service provider) that the transmission of the channel of the petitioner, i.e., TV9 Telugu is uninterrupted and unhindered, and is being relayed in the states of Telangana, as well as Andhra Pradesh," noted the court in its order.
"Accordingly, it is directed that in terms of the submission made on behalf of respondent no. 2, the transmission of the television channel, i.e., TV9 Telugu shall continue uninterruptedly and unhindered on the same position, as existing prior to 06th June, 2024", it ordered.
News Broadcasters Federation applauds the Delhi High Court order directing about 15 multi-system operators to restore the transmission of TV9 Telugu, Saakshi TV, 10TV, and NTV news channel among others, which had been taken off-air from June 6, 2024, in Andhra Pradesh.
“The landmark order addressing the unilateral and illegal blackout of news channels in Andhra Pradesh, reinforces the fundamental principles of freedom of speech and expression, which are cornerstones of our democratic society,” it said.
The blackout of several news channels in Andhra Pradesh, including TV9 Telugu, Saakshi TV, 10TV, and NTV since June 6, 2024, had raised serious concerns about press freedom, as it came right the day of election results as well as reports of political pressure being brought upon all the cable operators to blackout these news channels, due to change in political leadership in Andhra Pradesh.
Andhra Pradesh is the largest market in terms of television consumers, with over 65 lakhs viewing news via their set-top-boxes.
The news channels, serving in public interest, were removed from at least 62 lakh boxes, denying right to information by the audience.
The High Court's intervention underscores the importance of maintaining an open and transparent media environment, essential for the functioning of a healthy democracy, it said.