Sun TV security clearance review sought; two channels' cancellation stayed

Sun TV security clearance review sought; two channels' cancellation stayed

Dayanidhi Maran

NEW DELHI: A review has been sought by the information and broadcasting ministry from the home ministry about security clearance to Sun TV Network Ltd in view of the amended guidelines of that ministry. Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu told the Parliament yesterday that no reply had been received so far from the home ministry.

However, he said renewal of permission has been granted to the channels which have been given security clearance. Of the 33 TV channels of M/s Sun TV Network Ltd., four TV channels are due for renewal of permission after 10 years. To a question, he said no case was pending in any court against any of the 33 channels.

Naidu said in reply to a question that the Ministry had issued show-cause notices to nine companies having 26 TV channels after denial of security clearance by MHA.

These include six channels of Positive TV Private Ltd, five channels of Mahua Media Pvt Ltd, four channels of Maa Television,four channels of STV Enterprises Ltd; two channels of Lemon Entertainment Ltd, Permission was cancelled in all these cases. One channel each of Indira TV Ltd, Madhyamam Broadcasting Ltd, and Lamhas Entertainment Ltd were refused permission but the ministry is considering their replies.

Meanwhile, the cancellation of two channels of Entertainment Television Network Pvt. Ltd was challenged in court of law, and has been stayed.

The Minister said in reply to another question that the Ministry was not aware of any such other seven similarly placed companies having 23 TV channels.