The Delhi High Court on Friday stayed the order of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, allowing Assamese news channel DY365, to resume telecast. In an order issued by the Delhi High Court, it has now directed the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to file a counter affidavit within four weeks. The next date of hearing has been fixed on February 1 next. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had ordered a ban on DY365 and Gujarati news channel VTV for "violation of content code."
Earlier, the Ministry prohibited the transmission or retransmission of DY365 programmes for three days starting 0001 hrs (12:00 AM) on December 15, 2017, on any distribution platform throughout India. The order stated that ‘DY356 had telecast a ‘news report’ on 4th June 2016 where based on a ritual, a man could be seen tossing a new born baby up and down in the air. He hurls and slings the baby in every possible manner and direction without a shred of care and concern. The video meant to expose an extremely dangerous superstition allegedly prevalent in some parts of Assam where people believe that undergoing this ritual will keep the child safe.
The visuals were termed extremely disturbing, and not suitable for unrestricted public exhibition and thus the channel was ordered to go off air for three days.
The order of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry has been stayed as of now.
