Delhi Court Seeks Police's Response In Plea Against Sudarshan TV, Suresh Chavhanke For Allegedly Hurting Religious Sentiments In Bindas Bol Show

A Delhi Court has sought action taken report from the Delhi Police in a plea filed against Sudarshan TV news channel and it's Editor-in-Chief Suresh Chavhanke over a news telecast on the show Bindas Bol for allegedly hurting the religious sentiments of the people from Muslim Community.

Metropolitan Magistrate Gopal Krishnan of Rohini Courts has now posted the matter for further hearing on April 2.

"Let ATR be called from the IO / SHO as to whether any cognizable offence is made out as per the complaint of the complainant and if yes, whether any action has been taken on it or not for NDOH," the Court ordered.

The complaint filed by one Zafir Hussain through Advocate Shakeel Abbas, refers to a news telecast dated May 15, 2021 aired on Sudarshan TV news channel with headlines "Aao Israel ka Sath De, Kal Ki Ladai Ka Sathi Ha Israel #BINDASSBOLONISRAEL".

Stating that the complainant's religious feelings got hurt after watching the said telecast, the plea alleged that Chavhanke through his news channel tried to spread hatred against the particular community by uttering derogatory and defamatory languages against Islam.

"That the accused no.2 Mr. Suresh Chavhanke through his aforesaid program "Bindas Bol" telecasted in accused no.1 news channel under the garb of Palestine-Israel conflicts, tried to provoke and instigate Muslims by showing a edited video and aired graphical depiction of bombing Masjid an Nabwi and showing missiles targeting the holy place of Islam Le. Green Dome at Madina, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia built above the tomb of lslamic Prophet Muhammad and early Muslim Caliphs, which is located in the southeast corner of Al Masjid Al Nabawi (Mosque of the Prophet) was shown and the same was further shown to be demolished /destroyed through said missile," the plea reads.

Furthermore, the complainant has argued that while the said telecast cannot be accepted in any manner, the plea adds that such reports or videos clearly establishes the professional misconduct done by the accused persons. It has been alleged that such action is a "clear blot on the face of freedom of speech and expression by the accused persons."

"The said video telecasted by accused in their news channel and youtube channel is in violation of the Program code as it offends against good taste or decency. It contains criticism of friendly countries, it contains attack on religions or communities or visuals or words contemptuous of religious groups or which promote communal attitudes, contains false and suggestive innuendos and half truth and is likely to encourage or incite violence," the plea adds.

The complainant therefore prays that the Court takes cognizance of the matter and summon the accused persons.

In a related news, another city Court had last week sought an action taken report from the Police on a plea filed against lSuresh Chavhanke for allegedly giving hate speech and promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, at an event organized by Hindu Yuva Vahini in December last year.

Suresh Chavhanke's Alleged Hate Speech At 'Hindu Yuva Vahini' Event: Delhi Court Seeks Action Taken Report