The News Broadcasting and Digital Standards Authority (NBDSA) has urged television news channels News18 India, Times Now Navbharat, and Aaj Tak, to remove videos targeting Muslims that amounted to the spread of hatred and communal disharmony.
The regulatory body took action following complaints lodged by activist Indrajeet Ghorpade, highlighting the contentious content of these broadcasts.
Among the channels targeted by the NBDSA, News18 India faced a fine of Rs 50,000 for three shows aired in 2022. Two of these programs, hosted by Aman Chopra and one by Amish Devgan, made inflammatory remarks connecting the tragic murder of Shraddha Walker by her live-in partner Aftab Poonawala to the contentious notion of "love jihad."
The NBDSA emphasized the reckless use of the term "love jihad," cautioning against its casual invocation due to its potential to perpetuate religious stereotypes and foster communal discord.
Similarly, Times Now Navbharat was fined Rs 1 lakh for a show hosted by Himanshu Dixit, which propagated the concept of "love jihad" and targeted Muslims by labelling inter-faith relationships by that name.
The NBDSA's scrutiny revealed that the broadcast not only endorsed the divisive narrative but also stifled dissenting voices, as Dixit allegedly prevented panellists from expressing contrary views.
In a separate ruling, Aaj Tak was instructed to remove a video of a show anchored by Sudhir Chaudhary, which focused on violence during the Hindu festival of Ram Navami in 2023. The NBDSA condemned Chaudhary's sweeping generalization of the entire Muslim community based on the actions of a few, stating that the broadcaster's inclusion of provocative tickers during the program further exacerbated the situation, giving it a completely different and inflammatory tone.
The NBDSA's actions underscore a growing concern over the role of media in perpetuating communal tensions and disseminating harmful narratives. By holding these channels accountable for their irresponsible reporting, the regulatory body aims to safeguard the secular fabric of the country and mitigate the risks of religious intolerance and disharmony.