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In certain quarters concerns had been raised over DTH services
in the country, especially those relating to security and availability
of pornographic content through such a service.
According to the minister, existing DTH licence conditions for
setting up and operating DTH service in India contain adequate safeguards
with regard to the carriage of undesirable content.
The terms and conditions of the licence agreement, inter alia,
make it obligatory on the part of the DTH licencee to adhere to
the programme and advertisement codes as laid down by the I&B
ministry, Reddy informed fellow parliamentarians.
He said the use of DTH service for anti-national activities would
be construed as an offence punishable under the Indian Penal Code
and applicable law and will attract immediate termination of licence.
In reply to another question, Reddy said the ministry will also
"dust up" the file on Broadcasting Authority bill that
was prepared some seven years ago, reports PTI.
However, to a specific question on Space TV, which alluded to a
prolonged delay in granting letter of intent for a DTH licence,
Reddy in a written reply avoided making any direct reference to
the competence of his ministry to judge the financial aspects of
a DTH venture, something that is done more competently by the finance
ministry.
To another question, Reddy said four parties had applied for DTH
licence. While ASC Enterprises had been given the licence, the application
of Space TV, a joint venture between the Tatas and a Star Group
affiliate, is at an advanced stage of consideration.
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