HC directs all channels to give undertaking by tomorrow

Mumbai, Aug 31 (UNI) The Bombay High Court today directed the broadcasters to give an undertaking that they will abide by the Cable Television Network Act 1995 as well as the court's orders by tomorrow, in view of larger public interest.

A division bench comprising Justices R M Lodha and S A Bobde were hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Professor Pratibha Nathani of St Xavier's College alleging that films without certification by the Censor Board for Film Certification (CBFC) allowing 'free public exhibition', were being shown on cable channels, which have a bad impact on children. Hence, such films should not be shown and action be taken against those still running such content on their channels.

The court on August 23 had allowed the cable operators and channels to screen only 'U' and 'U/A' certified films.

However, before that order, the police had taken action against the Multi-system operators and seized their decoders due to which they could not telecast certain channels. Today, Assistant Commissioner of Police Sanjay Apranti told the the court that they did not have a problem if the channels provided the cable operators with new decoders.

Also, Zee Television and Star Television networks applied today for the declaration in writing that they would abide by the said Act and court orders.

The court also directed seven channels -- Star Movies, Star One, Star Gold, HBO, ZEE Movies, AXN and Sony Max -- to furnish a list of all the films that they were to screen to the police.

UNI ARM PM SB GC2024