SC to consider PIL on paid news in media during elections

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monay said it will consider hearing a PIL on April 11 highlighting the alleged practice of paid news in the electronic and print media.

The petition seeking to prohibit the electronic and print media from broadcasting and publishing such news items was mentioned before a bench headed by Chief Justice P Sathasivam which said the matter will be listed on Friday. The PIL, filed by advocate M L Sharma, has made the Centre, Election Commission of India and five regional media houses as respondents. He has also sought a direction for investigation and prosecution against the media houses allegedly indulging in the practice of paid news claiming that it amounts to inducement to secure votes by way of advertisement.