MIB stated that the news channel had shown still photos of a Tibetan protestor who immolated himself at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi. Such photos should not have been telecast as these are not in good taste and also are not suitable for unrestricted public exhibition. The channel had violated the provisions of the Cable Rules.

15.11.2012
NBSA noted that although the broadcaster may have used the footage provided by ANI but they should have, as per NBSA Guidelines, masked the gory and disturbing visuals of the Tibetian protester. NBSA decided to close the matter with the observations that the broadcaster be advised to be more careful in the future, failing which transgressions in the future would be dealt with sternly.

MIB stated that the news channel in their programme on Valentine’s Day had showed visuals of couples getting intimate at public places which were in violation of the Cable Rules.

15.11.2012
NBSA noted that the broadcaster in their reply had admitted wrongdoing; and the programme had certainly invaded the privacy of individuals and was unnecessarily salacious. NBSA issued to the broadcaster a strong reprimand for not bearing in mind the Code of Ethics and Regulations and that the broadcaster be informed that they should be careful in this behalf in future and that any such violations hereafter would be dealt with severely.

The complaint was regarding programme titled “Guru Gumshuda & Gunah” telecasted on the channel in which there was direct allegations against the Trust and Swamy Ramdev, who was one of the Trustees that they were responsible for the disappearance of Swami Shankardev and that they had influenced the authorities to close the case, which was clearly without any basis and was an abuse of journalistic freedom.

15.11.2012
NBSA considered the legal notice, response given to the legal notice by the broadcaster and a separate complaint before the NBSA on the same subject. NBSA noted that since the CBI was investigating the issue of disappearance of Swamy Shankardev, the NBSA need not proceed in the matter in view of the NBSA Regulations.The complaint was closed.

The complaint pertained to the news item about Karnataka Govt.'s move to arrange for prayers in all the temples. The complainant stated that the correspondent was heard saying something to the effect that why should water be poured and money wasted on stones when there was no water available for drinking. These sorts of words were unwarranted and hurt the feelings of practicing Hindus who offer worship in temples and prostrate before statues.

15.11.2012
NBSA noted that the complaint appeared to be based purely upon the complainant’s personal views and opinions on the news anchor’s comment that using water for religious ceremonies while there was otherwise shortage of water in the State of Karnataka was un-justified. While in its response the broadcaster had accepted its error, the NBSA was of the opinion that the matter did not warrant any action, except to observe that broadcasters should be conscious of the sensitivities of people, especially in relation to matter of religion and faith. NBSA decided that the matter be closed with the above observation that the broadcasters should be careful when airing such matters.

The complainant alleged that the news report regarding licensed pistol of Minister found in his house, Rs.6 crores cash and Rs.10 crores worth of gold found in his house and Mr. Dilip Suryavanshi’s house, defamatory. The complainant sought to know the on what basis/facts they aired the story and if they were unable to provide the response they should air an apology at prime time,he would file a defamation suit against the channel and the correspondent. The complainant alleged that incorrect disclosure wealth recovered from his house had put him and his family in danger.

15.11.2012
NBSA decided that from a viewing of the programme it transpires that there were too many controversial issues of fact involved in the matter and this was not a case where the NBSA could discern any clear and evident violation of the NBA Code of Ethics & Broadcasting Standards or other guidelines; and accordingly, no further action was called for in the matter. The complaint was closed.

The complaint was regarding display of clearly recognizable face of rape victim on a news programme shown by the channel. The complainant alleged that the face of a friend of the victim was clearly recognisable. This event was also reported online. The complainant further stated that in the past, there were several incidents where the witnesses of the rape victims had faced severe consequences. Therefore, it was an irresponsible and negligent behaviour on the part of the channel.

15.11.2012
NBSA found that the face of the victim was sufficiently morphed and no cause was discernible for any action against the broadcaster ; and decided that the matter be closed.

The complaint was regarding news of Rajauri district of Kashmir broadcasted under world news segment.

15.11.2012
NBSA noted that the broadcaster had already run an apology for erroneously showing a story on Rajauri District of Kashmir in the “World News” segment. NBSA was of opinion that in any case, such telecast by the channel could not be considered tendentious or consequential ; and no further action was merited on the complaint and the matter be closed.

The complaint was regarding one sided report about Mr. Raj Thackeray. The complainant alleged that the news shown on the channel was totally partial from one side and was against Raj Thackeray. The translation of the speech of Raj Thackeray in Hindi was wrong and it was fabricated, the total speech of Mr. Thackeray was different in Marathi, and the translation which was shown was totally wrong. This partial reporting had hurt all the Maharashtraian marathi speaking community.

15.11.2012
NBSA decided that since the matter involved some inaccuracy in the translation of Raj Thackeray’s speech from Marathi into Hindi, which caused no demonstrable prejudice to anyone and which was also corrected by the broadcaster immediately also ran an apology, no further action needs to be taken in the matter. The complaint was closed.

The complaint was regarding incorrect report of the deceased Ms. Sanam Hasan on the channel. The complainant was an aggrieved mother and had alleged that the statements the reporter had used to spice up the reporting like "parents being habitual drinkers...." were utmost shocking and incorrect. The reporter should have completed his investigation and verified it from the parents before making such statements. She further stated that if her daughter was a habitual drinker then she should have been able to survive the 'overdoze of alcohol' as reported in the new item. It was stated the autopsy reports were still awaited. The complainant requested an apology and correction of the news report as the report had caused immense distress to the family.

15.11.2012
NBSA noted that the channel had overstepped propriety in apparently commenting upon the personal habits of the young deceased and even of the parents in relation to whether they were habitual drinkers. However considering the apology aired on their channel ABP Majha, subsequent to which the mother of the deceased had not pursued the complaint, the NBSA decided that the matter be closed with the observation that the broadcaster should exercise sensitivity and be extremely careful when airing such matters, which can tarnish the image of individuals (especially deceased individuals) and their families.

The complainant had stated that Ms. Archana Shukla of Indian Express in her news article titled “TV channels show 07 Kuwait air crash video pass off as Jamnagar collision” had mentioned that several news channels aired the above video in their telecast. Since the Times Now was a member of the NBA and abided by its rules and regulations she had requested the channel to clarify the correct position to the viewers in this regard so that all become clear about whether the Indian Express news was correct or not. What exactly had happened and what was the reason for such a situation arising at all.

15.11.2012
NBSA noted the immediate action taken by them of airing a full-screen corrigendum during prime time on their channel Times Now wherein they admitted that they had erroneously shown the footage used by a regional channel in relation to the story. NBSA decided to close the matter with the observation that the broadcaster be advised to be more careful in future to avoid such mistakes. The complaint was closed.