Kochi: An appeal filed by a division bench of the Kerala High Court challenging the single bench order dismissing the Central Government’s action against the Central Government for blocking the broadcast of Media One channel has been postponed. The appeal was filed by the channel’s owners Madhyam Broadcasting Limited, employees and the Kerala Journalists Union.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice S Manikumar and Justice Shaji P Chali will consider the petition. Senior Supreme Court Advocate Dushyant Dave, appearing for Media One, argued that the role of the media was important in a democratic system and that the ban should be lifted. A
Aman Lekhi, Additional Solicitor General, appearing for the Central Government, said the reasons behind the ban could be handed over in a sealed envelope. The appeal stated that the license was revoked on the grounds that it was a threat to national security. It is required that the judgment of the Single Bench be quashed and that the execution of the judgment be stayed pending the decision on appeal. However, the Division Bench did not allow the stay.
English Summary: Media One Case in HighCourt