1.5.2021 The complaint was in respect of programme titled “???? ??? AajTak ?? ?????? ??????? Rohit Sardana, ???? ??? ????? ?? ????” which was broadcast on Aaj Tak on 30.4.2021. The complainant stated that during the impugned programme which was of 30 minutes duration, sorrowful background music was played and the female anchor was shown repeatedly sobbing while reading the script. The female reporter and the male narrator also appeared to be weeping during the broadcast along with other employees who were invited to express themselves. He stated that at no point during the entire show did the channel display any Bereavement Counsellor Contacts, Mental Health Resources or Covid-19 Help Resources, which would have benefited lakhs of viewers who are already in deep distress due to loss of their loved ones to Covid-19. The complainant stated that it appeared that the entire show, instead of delivering a eulogy, sensationalised the demise of the anchor. Further, the complainant stated that the impugned show also violated the privacy of daughters of the deceased individual. The reporter mentioned the name and the location of their school, which was highly irresponsible and violative. The complainant stated that the impugned programme violated the fundamental standards which states that “Reporting should not sensationalise or create panic, distress or undue fear among viewers” and Principles of Self Regulation relating to good taste and privacy The broadcaster in its response dated 14.5.2021, stated that the organisation was deeply saddened by the unexpected demise of Shri Rohit Sardana.. His association with the organization and its employees was not just limited to the professional front but he was connected with colleagues, who worked with him, on a personal level as well and therefore his death left a void which can never be filled. The broadcaster stated that it understands its responsibility as a broadcaster to display Mental Health Resources suiting such telecasts. However, the above-said telecast was to pay condolences to Late Shri. Sardana and it was, certainly not an obligation on its part to display information about Mental Health Counsellors on such a programme. Further no NBA prescribed Guidelines, Code of Ethics or Regulations were violated vide the said program. The program was to pay homage to the departed soul.

28.5.2021
NBSA considered the complaint, response from the broadcaster and viewed the footage of the broadcast. NBSA held that there was no violation of the Code of Ethics and Broadcasting Standards or NBSA Guidelines in the broadcast and decided that no further action was called for on the complaint. NBSA, decided to close the complaint and inform the complainant and the broadcaster accordingly.

13.3.2021 The complaint was filed against Asianet Suvarna News for the “Mahaexclusive and Cover Story” comprising of four programmes aired on 5th March 2021.

28.5.2021
NBSA considered the complaint regarding four programmes aired on Asianet Suvarna News on 5.3.2021. NBSA noted that there was a delay in filing the complaint with the broadcaster as under Proviso 1 & 2 to Regulation 8.1.6 of the News Broadcasting Standards Regulations, the complaint is required to be filed with the broadcaster within 7 days from the date of the first broadcast. In view of the above provisions, NBSA was of the view that since the complaint was time barred, it could not entertain the same on merits. Therefore, NBSA decided to dismiss the and inform the complainant and the broadcaster accordingly.

23.2.2021 The complaint was in respect of a news programme titled “Rinku Sharma ?? ?? ?? Taal Thok Ke LIVE With Aman Chopra | Mangolpuri Murder ?? ?? ??? TTK | Delhi” aired by Zee News on 12.2.2021.

28.5.2021
NBSA considered the complaint regarding a programme aired on Zee News on 12.2.2021. NBSA noted that there was a delay in filing the complaint with the broadcaster as under Proviso 1 & 2 to Regulation 8.1.6 of the News Broadcasting Standards Regulations, the complaint is required to be filed with the broadcaster within 7 days from the date of the first broadcast. In view of the above provisions, NBSA was of the view that since the complaint was time barred, it could not entertain the same on merits. Therefore, NBSA decided to dismiss the complaint. and inform the complainant and the broadcaster accordingly.

17.1.2021 The complaint stated that “these guys parents must be so proud. Posting news of someone going nude. Great going GODI media. And guess what this complaint will probably be addressed by some GODI analyst.” The complainant vide email dated 24.2.2021 shared a link to the article https://zeenews.india.com/music/jennifer-lopez-goes-nude-for-new-song-in-the-morning-video-releases-online-2336334.html.

28.5.2021
NBSA noted that the complaint appears to be regarding a news article posted on Zee News Website. NBSA held that under the NBSA Regulations, the Authority does not have jurisdiction to consider content posted by the broadcaster on its social media platforms including on its website. NBSA therefore decided to close the complaint and inform the complainant and the broadcaster accordingly.

23.2.2021 The complaint was in respect of a news programme titled “Farmers’ Tractor Rally: Clashes continue between Delhi Police & Kisan, Many Cops Injured” aired by the broadcaster on 26.1.2021.

28.5.2021
NBSA at its meeting held on 28.5.2021, considered the complaint regarding a programme aired on Times Now on 26.1.2021. NBSA noted that there was a delay in filing the complaint with the broadcaster as under Proviso 1 & 2 to Regulation 8.1.6 of the News Broadcasting Standards Regulations, the complaint is required to be filed with the broadcaster within 7 days from the date of the first broadcast. In view of the above provisions, NBSA was of the view that since the complaint was time barred, it could not entertain the same on merits. Therefore, NBSA decided to dismiss the complaint and inform the complainant and the broadcaster accordingly.

23.2.2021 The complaint was in respect of a news programme titled “Farmers Reach Red Fort; Tricolor flag taken down; Police resorts to lathi charge” aired by Times Now on 26.1.2021.

28.5.2021
NBSA, at its meeting held on 28.5.2021, considered the complaint regarding a programme aired on Times Now on 26.1.2021. NBSA noted that there was a delay in filing the complaint with the broadcaster as under Proviso 1 & 2 to Regulation 8.1.6 of the News Broadcasting Standards Regulations, the complaint is required to be filed with the broadcaster within 7 days from the date of the first broadcast. In view of the above provisions, NBSA was of the view that since the complaint was time barred, it could not entertain the same on merits. Therefore, NBSA decided to dismiss the complaint and inform the complainant and the broadcaster accordingly.

23.2.2021 The complaint was in respect of the programme titled “Is Disha Ravi connected to pro-Khalistan groups? The Newshour Debate” aired by the broadcaster on 15.2.2021.

28.5.2021
NBSA considered the complaint regarding a programme aired on Times Now on 15.2.2021. NBSA noted that there was a delay in filing the complaint with the broadcaster as under Proviso 1 & 2 to Regulation 8.1.6 of the News Broadcasting Standards Regulations, the complaint is required to be filed with the broadcaster within 7 days from the date of the first broadcast. In view of the above provisions, NBSA was of the view that since the complaint was time barred, it could not entertain the same on merits. Therefore, NBSA decided to dismiss the complaint and inform the complainant and the broadcaster accordingly.

29.1.2021 The complaint was in respect to an IGTV video which was posted on ABP News’s official Instagram Account. In the video, actress Kangana Ranaut inaccurately claimed that the Khalistan flag was raised at the Red Fort in Delhi on Republic Day,2021. The complainant stated that the information in the video was inaccurate and the false claim was debunked by several news media agencies. The complainant requested for the impugned video to be removed from the Instagram account of ABP News. The broadcaster, in its response dated 9.2.2021, stated that the complainant has raised concerns regarding the IGTV of Kangana Ranaut on its Instagram page. In this regard, the broadcaster stated that the said IGTV showed the statement made by Kangana Ranaut and it had only reported what Kangana has said on her social media account. Even in the tagline it was written “………dekhiye Kangana ne aur kya kaha?” The intent and objective of the impugned video was to only provide information to people on as is where is basis and the broadcaster couldn’t have changed or misrepresented or tampered with her stand in the video. The broadcaster stated that it does not endorse Kangana Ranaut and its IGTV only included her version of the incident.

28.5.2021
NBSA considered the complaint and response from the broadcaster. NBSA noted that the complaint is regarding a video posted on ABP News’s Instagram account. NBSA held that under NBSA Regulations, the Authority does not have jurisdiction over content posted by the broadcaster on its social media platforms. NBSA decided to close the complaint and inform the complainant and the broadcaster accordingly.

28.2.2021 and 8.3.2021 The complainant had filed a complaint in respect of 12 different programmes that were aired by Zee News and 4 programmes that were aired on Zee Hindustan regarding the Disha Ravi case.

28.5.2021
Complaints against Zee News NBSA considered the complaint regarding 11 programmes aired on Zee News and 4 programmes aired on Zee Hindustan between 4.2.2021 and 19.02.2021. NBSA noted that there was a delay in filing the complaint with the broadcaster as under Proviso 1 & 2 to Regulation 8.1.6 of the News Broadcasting Standards Regulations, the complaint is required to be filed with the broadcaster within 7 days from the date of the first broadcast. In view of the above provisions, NBSA was of the view that since the complaint was time barred, it could not entertain the same on merits. Therefore, NBSA decided to dismiss the complaint and inform the complainant and the broadcaster accordingly. However, NBSA noted that it could consider the complaint dated 28.2.2021 against programme dated 23.2.2021 aired on Zee News since it was made within the stipulated time. However, since no specific grievances were made against the impugned programme in the complaint. NBSA decided to direct the complainant to submit his specific grievances in respect of programme dated 23.2.2021.

13.2.2021 The complaint was regarding a news report aired by ABP Majha on 13.2.2021, , about an unfortunate incident of physical violence at an educational institution in Satara district of Maharashtra involving female students. The complainant stated the headline of the impugned programme stated: "WWF of Satara Girls", and the anchor referred to one of the students as "Satara's Lady Kabir Singh", referring to the controversial Hindi cinema that normalizes and glamorizes violence against women in educational institutions. In the impugned programme, background music and commentary of popular entertainment show WWF were added to the original video of the incident, including sound effects of punching and slapping and some kind of Rock music. The anchor called the women "WWF Champions" and referred to the violence as "girls from one college making chutney out of the girls of the other college". The impugned programme also included the interview of one of the locals who declared that the girls' actions were against Satara's culture and unbelievable. She asked the parents and college to keep an eye on them. The anchor also warned the girls by saying, "Girls, next time when you fight, remember that cameras are looking at you and your parents also know about your parakram.". The complainant stated that by doing all of the above, the impugned programme diminished the grievous nature of the untoward incident. Further, the reportage was not neutral and impartial as it did not include a statement by any of the women involved in the incident. The purpose of the reportage was not to spread awareness about the incident but to entertain the viewers and make a mockery of the incident by demonizing the individuals involved. By airing the impugned programme, the channel had missed the opportunity to report sensitively about the issue of violence in educational institutions and especially about violence against young women. Further, it had also missed the opportunity to spread awareness about existing legal remedies, anti-ragging provisions, anti-ragging helpline, women's safety helpline, laws to protect women against torture and violence, etc. He asserted that in the impugned news report, the broadcaster had violated the principles of the Code of Ethics and Broadcasting Standards pertaining to Neutrality, Impartiality, Reporting on Crime and Depiction of Violence against Women. The broadcaster, in its reply dated 22.2.2021 stated that the impugned news clip was a newsworthy event as per editorial discretion. That the said incident was important to show the relevance of discipline and good behaviour, and the momentary loss of temper or being provoked on account of certain instances should not be the reason for a fist fight or expressing outrage in some other violent manner resulting in physical assault. Further, in the impugned programme, the broadcaster also attempted to alert the parents/teachers and the elders about the conduct of the children and the caution which needs to be exercised coupled with guiding, counselling and mentoring of the students. The broadcaster stated that its editorial team, in exercise of its creative wisdom, chose to narrate the story by way of sarcasm and by way of adopting a language that can connect with the people with sensibilities and having a sense of humor, however, in no manner, compromising the message which was intended to be conveyed. Further, the said event would not have become newsworthy had it not been made viral by girl students by uploading the entire incident on the Instagram platform. That after viewing the news clip and story in its entirety, it could be seen that the broadcaster had also conveyed the trivial nature of the cause which resulted in the said incident. It had also carried the message by way of bytes of the Principal of Yashwantrao Chavan College, Dy SP [Police] and the shop owner. That the message in the impugned programme was the steps taken by the College Principal and action initiated by Satara Police against the girl students in the form of furnishing of bonds, warnings/words of wisdom.

28.5.2021
NBSA considered the complaint, response from the broadcaster and viewed the footage of the broadcast. NBSA observed that the impugned news report offended the standards of good taste and decency. Further, the taglines "WWF of Satara Girls" and "WWF Champions", and the commentary of the anchor who stated "girls from one college making chutney out of the girls of the other college" indicated a gender bias in the reporting of the incident. NBSA therefore, decided to issue a warning to the broadcaster to be more careful in future. NBSA, directed that the video of the said broadcast, if still available on the website of the channel, or YouTube, or any other links, should be removed immediately, and the same should be confirmed to NBSA in writing within 7 days. NBSA decided to close the complaint with the above observations and inform the complainant and the broadcaster accordingly.