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Dushyant Dave, Sr. Adv, appearing for the television channel Media One today alleged that the channel was being targeted by the Centre because it was run by members from the Minority community.

“We are being shut because we are being run by members belonging to minority community”

Dave was arguing for an interim order staying the communication by Ministry of Home Affairs which revoked the security clearance of the Kerala based television channel. Eventually, the Court deemed it fit to stay the revocation for the time being. 

Both the single judge and the division bench of Kerala High Court had upheld the order of Ministry of Home Affairs revoking Media One’s security clearance. The channel has been off air since 8th February 2022.

A Supreme Court bench of Justices Chandrachud, Surya Kant and Vikram Nath were hearing the matter. Dave further argued tha,

”Let my channel run, I am not going to bring down the government,” argued Dave.

ASGs KM Natraj and SV Raju appearing for the government sought time to file a detailed affidavit and place the files and intelligence inputs based on which the channel’s security clearance was denied.
Natraj informed the bench, “We will not shy away from producing any records before the court.”

Dave however was miffed with the fact that his clients were not given access to the very document which revoked their license. He said, “How can a democratically elected government deny to produce records and deny freedom of speech and expression. This channel is being shut because it is being run by members belonging to the minority community.”

ASG Natraj alleged that,

“Despite the ban from the High Court, they have started a Youtube channel which criticised the judge who passed the order. The institution itself is under threat because of Media One.”

When the court opined that the citizens have the right to criticise judgments, Natraj submitted that the criticism was directed towards the judge and not the judgment.

Dave said, “I condemn it, thought we have nothing to do with it.”

Natraj replied saying, “Youtube channel is run by you.”

Dave said, “You cannot shut us down for that.”

Natraj retorted to this by remarking “You cannot browbeat the judges.”

The heated exchange was put to an end when the judges decided to peruse the relevant files. The court ultimately granted a stay of MHA’s order revoking the security and license of Media One.

Case title: Madhyamam Broadcasting Limited Vs Union of India