New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking complete ban on the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and BBC India from operating from Indian territory. The plea was filed in the wake of controversy surrounding the documentary titled, ‘India: The Modi Question’ relating to the 2002 Gujarat riots.
The matter was heard by a two-judge bench of the apex court comprising of Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice M M Sundresh. The petition was filed by Hindu Sena president Vishnu Gupta and a farmer, Birendra Kumar Singh. Ever since the airing of the documentary on Gujarat 2002 riots, allegations have been raised against the BBC for taking an alleged partisan stand on the issue at an unlikely time.
Justice Khanna said, "the plea is entirely misconceived. Let's not waste time, it has no merits. You want us to put complete censorship. What is this?" Advocate Pinky Anand arguing for petitioner said that the BBC has been biased against India and the Union government. Its documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi is an outcome of deep conspiracy against global rise of India and its Prime Minister.
The petitioner's advocate further said the documentary made by the BBC related to Gujarat violence 2002 was aimed to defame PM Modi and the Hindu community as well. The BBC propaganda is intended to destroy the social fabric of India, he said. The center blocked the BBC documentary from streaming in India after the concerned ministry issued orders for internet-based platforms and other social media sites to prevent the film from uploading. In defiance of the gag order, some opposition MPs posted links to the film on their Twitter handles.
