SC dismisses Centre's ban on Malayalam news channel MediaOne

The Supreme Court on Wednesday quashed the Centre's denial of security clearance to Malayalam news channel MediaOne, saying National security claims cannot be made out of thin air, there must be material facts backing it.

A bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud set aside the Kerala High Court order which had upheld the Centre's decision to ban the channel's telecast on security grounds.

The top court said critical views of the channel against government policies cannot be termed as anti-establishment as an independent press is necessary for robust democracy.


"State can't impose unreasonable restrictions on press as it would have chilling effect on freedom of media," ANI quoted the SC as saying.

The top court was hearing the plea of the news channel against the Kerala High Court's order which had upheld the Centre's decision to ban its telecast on security grounds.

(With inputs from agencies)