Unethical TV ‘News’

The Network of Women in Media, India, is appalled at two shows broadcast on Times Now on 28 May 2018 on the Tarun Tejpal rape case, that were both illegal and unethical. The two shows, that ran consecutively at 8 pm and 9 pm, were titled “Secrets of a Dark Night” on the India Upfront show, anchored
by Times Now editor-in-chief Rahul Shivshankar, and “Tejpal’s Indiscretions Caught on CCTV” on the Newshour debate, anchored by Times Now managing editor–politics Navika Kumar.

Both shows were illegal and violative of Sections 327(2) and 327(3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), which expressly prohibit any coverage of proceedings that are held “in camera.” The Tejpal case is currently being heard in camera before Additional District and Sessions Court judge, Vijaya Pol in Mapusa, Goa. They also constituted a violation of the guidelines laid down in the Code of Ethics and Broadcasting Standards and News Broadcasting Standards (Disputes Redressal) Regulations of the News Broadcasters Association (NBA).