SC seeks Centre reply to PCI plea

Subsequently,the Information amp; Broadcasting Ministry issued an advisory to all private satellite TV channels to strictly follow the courts order. The PCI,however,challenged the order on the ground that it violated the medias as well as citizens fundamental right to the freedom of speech and expression.

The petition said though the impugned report did not endanger national security,the High Court order curbed journalistic liberty and hampered the independence of journalism,the fourth pillar of the democracy.

In its petition,INS claimed the order amounted to a blanket censorship on reporting of troop movements. Public interests as well as media rights are vitally affected for which there is no justification, it said.