New Delhi: The Supreme Court has directed
Chhattisgarh government to allow broadcast of ETV channel
after it was blacked out by the state for running a news
report about alleged involvement of Chief Minister Raman
Singh`s relatives in getting illegal allocation of mines.
While agreeing to hear a plea filed by ETV Chhattisgarh
bureau chief Shailesh Pandey, the court issued notice to the
Raman Singh government and directed it to restore the
broadcasting of the news channel.
It also asked the channel to maintain sanctity of freedom
of speech.
"Meanwhile, respondent No 1 (state government) is
directed to permit the broadcasting of ETV in the states of
Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and we hope and trust that the
petitioner would maintain sanctity of freedom of speech and
expression," the bench said.
The bench asked the government to respond to the petition
filed on behalf of the channel and posted the matter for
further hearing for January 5.
PTI
