Take up digital media first: Centre tells Supreme Court over guidelines for electronics media
New Delhi/IBNS: The central government on Thursday told the topmost level of the country's judiciary to look into digital media first before formulating guidelines for the electronics media, media reports said.
The Centre said the Supreme Court must look into digital media first considering its reach and impact.
"Digital media has faster reach, potential to become viral due to apps like WhatsApp, Twitter and Facebook," the government told the top court in an affidavit as quoted by NDTV.
"Digital media has a serious impact and because of its potential, the court must first take up digital media," the affidavit read.
The Centre also said there are sufficient guidelines already for the electronics and print media.
"The issue of balancing freedom of speech and responsible journalism has already been governed by statutory provisions and judgments," the government said.
The Centre filed the affidavit in connection with a case against a television channel which claims "Muslims are infiltrating" government services.
"You cannot target one community and brand them in a particular manner," the court had said earlier this week putting a particular show telecasted by Sudarshan TV on hold.
Stating journalistic freedoms are not absolute, the top court had said it would set up a panel to suggest standards for television media.
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