Not bound to disclose reason: Centre to SC on MediaOne ban

In an affidavit filed in the MediaOne case, the central government has told the Supreme Court that it cannot disclose the reasons for banning the Malayalam news channel due to national security, Live Law reported.

On Wednesday, the affidavit, which was filed by the ministry of home affairs, said that there was “no need” to inform the channel’s owners of the reason behind the ban.

“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,” the affidavit read.

The centre claimed privilege under Section 124 of the Indian Evidence Act and said that the disclosure could have “far reaching and unimaginable consequences” on national security. It said that it can produce the files based on which the ban was imposed “in a sealed cover”.

The channel had gone off air on January 31 after the ministry of information and broadcasting refused to renew its licence.

Madhyamam Broadcasting Limited, which runs MediaOne, had moved the apex court, challenging the Kerala High court’s decision to not interfere with the centre’s ban. The channel had objected to the government not specifying the reason behind its decision.

On May 15, a bench of justice D Y Chandrachud stayed the decision and allowed the channel to resume operations.