In Brief
The Supreme Court addressed a writ petition challenging the broadcast of a news programme titled "Bindaas Bol" containing allegations of hate speech against Muslims. While initially declining a pre-broadcast injunction on 28 August 2020, the Court granted an interim injunction on 15 September 2020 after episodes were aired containing palpably false statements portraying Muslims as engaged in conspiracy to infiltrate civil services. The Court held that protecting religious communities from vilification is foundational to democratic values and constitutional principles, and that the statutory Programme Code obligations combined with constitutional duties justified restraining further similar telecasts pending full hearing.
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