Cong for discussions to ban sensitive themes

New Delhi, July 14: Congress on Tuesday said a way should be found out to stop telecast of objectionable themes without

putting a gag on the freedom of speech. Commenting on demands for halting telecast of popular TV serial Balika Vadhu, party spokesperson Manish Tewari said, "A way should be found out not to telecast things objectionable to society but at the same time there should be no blow to the freedom of speech." "It`s a sensitive matter. A way should be found after discussing the issue seriously so that things that are objectionable to society are not telecast," Tewari told reporters outside Parliament. At the same time, the Congress spokesperson said, "But the realities which exist in the our society cannot be kept hidden...Congress will not like any step, which deals a blow to the freedom of speech. Media is mirror of society, which reveals the truth of our society," he said. He was responding to queries on the demand made by a member in the Lok Sabha to stop the serial`s telecast claiming that it promotes child marriage. In Balika Vadhu, a minor as been shown married which goes against the established law of this country, JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav said during the Question Hour. Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ambika Soni said, "We have taken the issue into account and we are looking into it." Earlier in the Lok Sabha, Soni said she would look into the complaint by Yadav and would send him a report of the inquiry after completion. She had also said that a committee has been constituted to monitor 150 channels and the government wants it to go up to 300 channels. "Whatever the law is available we can act accordingly. As per this in last 2-3 years, government has issued advisories to 277 channels or sought an apology from them," she said. Commenting on the serial, Congress MP Priya Dutt told reporters outside Parliament, "I have not seen the serial but if it is glorifying the child marriage then it is wrong." Dutt however said there are several serials, which are also reflecting our society. Bureau Report