A day before the launch of much-hyped news channel ‘Republic’, BJP leader Subramanian Swamy raised concerns over use of the word “Republic” for the upcoming channel. He has written to the ministry of Information and Broadcasting to look into the use of the word and “determine if it is prohibited to issue a license under such a name”.
Swamy’s has said that the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act 1950 prohibits the usage of certain names and emblems for professional and commercial purposes. The use of word “Republic” under item 6 of the schedule accompanying the statue, is also prohibited. This means that the grant of license to a news channel under the name “Republic” is contrary to law and will amount to the breach of Emblem act in force, said the letter written by Swamy on January 13. The letter has been addressed to the Secretary, I&B.