The Supreme Court of India has been apprised by the Central Government that Malayalam Media news channel, Media One was denied security clearance on the basis of inputs from the Union Home ministry
The Central Government has refused to share any more details and said that they are not bound or obligated to share any reasons publicly that involve National Security.
Central Government has come very strongly on the policy of no disclosure when it comes to matters pertaining MHA and reason for non clearance.An affidavit is also been filed in this regards.
The Affidavit states “It is submitted that in cases like the present wherein the matter concerning national security is involved, the petitioner company cannot insist upon strict compliance with principles of natural justice and the respondent is not bound to disclose the reasons for denial of security clearance to the petitioner-company.”
It was further told in the court that the reasons for denial have been submitted in the highcourt and the Apex court with the defined procedure and if asked,can be submitted to the courts in a “Sealed cover”
“MHA under Section 124 of the Indian Evidence Act seeks privilege over its secret files and prays that the contents of the files may not be disclosed to the petitioner since such disclosure may have far reaching and unimaginable consequences in so far as national security is concerned,” the affidavit by the Centre said.
Bench of Justice D.Y Chandrachud, Justice Surya Kant and Justice Vikram Nath had ordered for the resumption of the channel in the same manner in which it was being operated before revocation of security clearance on March 13.
MediaOne had appealed before the Apex court for challenging the order by Kerala High court which had upheld the Central government’s ban.
It was on February that the bench of , Justice Nagresh had upheld the order of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B Ministry) to revoke the Malayalam channel’s licence.
The Court was clear that the material evidence given to them in sealed envelopes had sufficient reasons for the denial of the security clearance to the channel and the ban was justified.
The appeal by the MediaOne was that the promptness of cancellation of license in indicative of a foul play, and is a scripted agenda for channels downfall…
The MediaOne channel is owned by Madhyamam Broadcasting Limited which got a notice stating that in consideration of national security and public order, the government can revoke licences.
The notice also asked the channel as to why should achannel license be not revoked if it is sans clearance of the MHA.