I&B Ministry
MIB zaps 144 TV channels for code breaches
Government tunes out 144 TV offenders with warnings, scrolls, and shutdowns from 2021-2025.
MUMBAI: Zapping the airwaves like a faulty remote, India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has dished out 144 enforcement slaps to private satellite TV channels for flouting the Programme and Advertising Codes under the 1995 Cable Television Networks Act proving that in the broadcast biz, breaking rules can lead to a swift channel change.
In a parliamentary ping-pong session, minister of state L Murugan spilled the beans to AAP MP Raghav Chadha, revealing how channels must toe the line or face the music: no attacking religions, stirring communal pots, or slinging slander at society’s moral fibre. It’s all enshrined in those codes, designed to keep the telly tame and tasteful.
But wait, there’s a plot twist, the government beefed up its watchdog role with the 2021 amendments on 17 June, rolling out a three-tier grievance gauntlet. First, broadcasters handle the heat themselves, if that fizzles, self-regulating bodies step in; and finally, the Centre swoops like a censor superhero for the knockout punch. No direct meddling in the early rounds, mind you just oversight when things get sticky.
The stats paint a pixelated picture of the crackdown, 43 actions in 2021, peaking at 52 in 2022, dipping to 37 in 2023, then a dramatic fade with just four in 2024 and eight in 2025. Breaking it down, that’s 35 gentle nudges via advisories, 50 stern warnings, 54 orders for those cringe-worthy apology scrolls crawling across screens, three outright off-air blackouts, one full permission yank, and even a lone disclaimer decree for good measure.
While 2022 stole the spotlight for most interventions, the recent years suggest a calmer channel lineup or perhaps broadcasters are finally getting the memo. The Ministry keeps firing off advisories like reminder texts, ensuring everyone plays nice, with heavier hammers reserved for the real rotters.
And for those wondering if local lingo channels get a free pass? Nope the rules blanket all, from national heavyweights to regional rabble-rousers. In this era of amended airwaves, it’s clear the government’s grievance grid is no mere static, it’s a tuned-in tool keeping the broadcast boat from rocking too wildly.
I&B Ministry
MIB blocks MoodXVIP, Koyal Playpro and three other OTT platforms over obscene, sexually explicit content
Platforms streamed material violating IT Act provisions
NATIONAL: India’s Information and Broadcasting Ministry blocked five over-the-top streaming platforms for allegedly hosting obscene and sexually explicit content, marking a fresh escalation in regulatory action against digital services operating outside the country’s content rules, as per media reports.
The platforms, MoodXVIP, Koyal Playpro, Digi Movieplex, Feel and Jugnu, were found to be streaming material that prima facie violates provisions of the Information Technology Act and rules governing online publishers.
Blocking orders were issued under statutory powers that allow the government to restrict access to online content in the interest of public order and decency. Internet service providers have been directed to disable access to the websites and mobile applications linked to the platforms.
The move forms part of a wider surveillance drive by the ministry targeting lesser-known and unregulated streaming services that allegedly evade self-regulatory obligations applicable to OTT platforms. Officials said the action followed repeated advisories urging compliance with Indian laws, including age-based classification, grievance redressal mechanisms and restrictions on explicit material.
Government sources described the content hosted by the blocked platforms as “highly explicit”, adding that it crossed legal thresholds permitted under Indian law. While large OTT players operate within a three-tier grievance redressal framework introduced in 2021, smaller apps have increasingly drawn scrutiny for distributing adult content without oversight.
The latest action also reflects heightened enforcement against platforms operating through mirror websites, offshore hosting arrangements or opaque ownership structures. Authorities have in recent years stepped up monitoring of online curated content amid concerns around obscenity, misleading promotions and unlawful distribution.
Officials declined to say whether further steps, including probes into operators, payment gateways or production entities, were being considered. However, sources indicated that additional platforms could face similar action if found in breach of the law.
