Attorney general favours security clearance for Sun TV network

June 19, 2015 14:55

Following the I&B ministry seeking legal opinion from him over the ministry of home affairs' denial of security clearance to Sun TV network citing economic security, since criminal cases were pending against the Maran brothers, Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi has said: 'There is no economic security contemplated in the Constitution; it is not only the constitutional right of broadcasters under freedom of expression but of viewers also.'

Specifically, the I&B ministry had asked if economic violations constitute a threat to the security of the country and whether, on these grounds, broadcasting licences be denied

Earlier, the MHA had denied security clearance to Sun TV's 33 TV channels citing economic security, as well as 40-odd radio channels. However, difference of opinion arose between the I&B ministry and the MHA over this issue.

The network, one of the largest media conglomerates in the country, had applied for a 10-year renewal of security clearances of its 33 channels last year.

It remains to be seen now if the government goes with the AG's view, or backs the home ministry's denial of permission to Sun TV. If the latter, the decision is expected to have major ramifications on Tamil Nadu politics.

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