Supreme Court today directed the Centre and the Telangana Government to restore ABN Andhra Jyothi News Channel broadcast across the State.
It may be mentioned here that the verdict came in favour of the news channel that was under blanket ban by cable operators in Telangana for allegedly airing news belittling Telangana leadership, culture and tradition. With Supreme Court direction, it is for the State government to take steps towards restoration. A three-member bench comprising Justice Khehar, Justice Kurien Joseph and Justice Madan B Lokur reportedly delivered a verdict asking the Centre and Telangana Governments and concerned district Collectors to take steps to restore broadcast of ABN Andhra Jyothi news channel. The Apex court also asked the Telangana Government to provide protection to cable operators if necessary and implement an order as it was done in the case of TV9 news channel.
Welcoming the verdict, journalist Devulapally Amar said the government should now take steps to restore the news channel network. BJP leader Nagam Janardhan Reddy termed Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao as dictator and the verdict was a slap on him. Prof. Nageshwar said the verdict paved way for freedom of media and it is democratic victory. Noted columnist Kanche Ilaiah said the court verdict buried the “imprudent” attitude of KCR government. (NSS)