NEW DELHI:Even as difference of opinion continues between two central Ministries on granting security clearance to 33 channels owned by Kalanithi Maran-promoted Sun TV network, there were indications that decision would be a joint one.“There may be a difference in approach, which is alright in a democracy, but the final decision on the matter would only be taken collectively,” a government official said, referring to the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Information and Broadcasting Ministry.
Earlier, the Home Ministry had denied security clearance to the network, which is believed to have been influenced by pending cases against Kalanidhi Maran and his brother, the former Union Minister Dayanidhi Maran.
After MHA denied security clearance, the I&B ministry approached the Law Ministry for their opinion on the issue. The Attorney-General Mukul Rohatgi reportedly said that security clearance could be granted as agencies were probing cases on corruption and not security. Hence, he said, corruption cases could not be a ground for denying security clearance.
owever, the MHA continues to insist that security concerns cannot be dismissed. The I&B ministry’s concerns were that action against the network might put it in a tight corner if the broadcaster were to seek legal remedy. “There are various sides to this issue. It is natural that with their mandates, different ministries may take a different view. But a final decision can only be taken collectively,” the official added.