NEW DELHI: Even as the Information and Broadcasting Ministry advised television channels to avoid life telecasts or file shots of violence or rioting linked to the Cauvery dispute, the Bengaluru Police has issued a similar directive for channels reporting from Karnataka.
An order issued by Bengaluru police commissioner N S Megarikh yesterday advised television channels to follow the provisions of the Programme Code ‘scrupulously and exercise restraint and sensitivity while reporting such incidents and refrain from telecasting any material which could ignite passions and create law and order problem in the city.’
The directive also said that violation of its advisory may lead to prosecution of the offenders under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act 1995.
Noting that it had come to its notice that certain television channels had been telecasting provocative and inflammatory news / programmes relating to the Cauvery dispute including footage of violence, the advisory said that this may lead to further tension, resulting in a deterioration of the law and order situation.
The Advisory quoted the relevant provisions in the Act as well as the uplinking and downlinking guidelines.
