Section 23 of The Prasar Bharati (Broadcasting Corporation of India) Act, 1990
- (1)The Central Government may, from time to time as and when occasion arises, issue to the Corporation such directions as it may think necessary in the interests of the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India or the security of the State or preservation of public order requiring it not to make a broadcast on a matter specified in the direction or to make a broadcast on any matter of public importance specified in the direction.
- (2)Where the Corporation makes a broadcast in pursuance of the direction issued under sub-section (1), the fact that such broadcast has been made in pursuance of such direction may also be announced along with such broadcast, if the Corporation so desires.
- (3)A copy of every direction issued under sub-section (1) shall be laid before each House of Parliament.
Summary
- The Central Government has the authority to issue directions to Prasar Bharati when needed.
- These directions can only be given for specific reasons, which are the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India, the security of the State, or the preservation of public order.
- A direction can either require the Corporation not to broadcast a specific matter, or require it to broadcast a matter of public importance.
- If Prasar Bharati broadcasts something because of a government direction, it can choose to announce that fact during the broadcast.
- The Central Government must present a copy of every direction it issues before both Houses of Parliament.
Practical examples
FAQ
1. On what grounds can the Central Government issue directions to Prasar Bharati?
The government can only issue directions in the interest of the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India, the security of the State, or the preservation of public order.
2. Can the Central Government force Prasar Bharati to broadcast a specific program?
Yes, the government can direct Prasar Bharati to make a broadcast on any matter of public importance.
3. Does Prasar Bharati have to hide that it is broadcasting something because of a government order?
No, if the Corporation desires, it can announce along with the broadcast that it is doing so in pursuance of a government direction.
Test yourself
Q1.Under Section 23 of The Prasar Bharati (Broadcasting Corporation of India) Act, 1990, on which of the following grounds can the Central Government legally issue a binding direction to the Corporation?
Q2.Under Section 23 of The Prasar Bharati (Broadcasting Corporation of India) Act, 1990, if the Central Government directs the Corporation to make a broadcast on a matter of public importance, what is the Corporation's right regarding disclosure?
Q3.Under Section 23 of The Prasar Bharati (Broadcasting Corporation of India) Act, 1990, what must the Central Government do after issuing a direction to the Corporation?
Q4.Under Section 23 of The Prasar Bharati (Broadcasting Corporation of India) Act, 1990, which of the following is a valid type of action that the Central Government can direct the Corporation to take?