Government warns cable operators over broadcast of unlicensed channels

Government today warned cable operators over the broadcast of unlicensed channels saying it will lead to confiscation of their broadcasting equipment. The warning came amid reports that Peace TV channel owned by controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik is being broadcast by cable operators despite the fact that it has no license in India.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore said the Centre is issuing an advisory to State and District Monitoring Committees to keenly observe whether the cable operators are broadcasting any content which is in violation of guidelines.

text-align: justify;">The Minister was talking to reporters after holding a meeting in New Delhi over illegal broadcast of channels and objectionable contents including by the Peace TV. Col. Rathore said the Home Ministry has also been asked to keep a track and report to the I&B Ministry on any such broadcast. He said social media platforms will also be used to gather information from the people about such illegal broadcast.

Zakir Naik is in the centre of controversy following the reports that one of the five Bangladeshi youths allegedly involved in recent Dhaka terror attack was his follower.