NEW DELHI: The Information and Broadcasting Ministry is learnt to have issued a show cause notice to a private Gujarati channel asking it to explain certain comments with regard to a "political leader" which it said appeared to have violated the norms.
In a notice issued in February this year by the I&B to Gujarati TV channel GSTV, the ministry as mentioned that in a news programme telecast on January 30, it commented on news regarding glorification of Nathuram Godse and building a temple in his name.
In the notice, the ministry said that the channel also questions an individual who is a political leader by saying he praises Mahatama Gandhi from different forums but never indicates action against those trying to glorify Nathuram Godse.
As per the notice, the channel is learnt to have commented that this leader initiated Swacch Bharat Abhiyan asked questions on whether he believes in Gandhian ideology.
The notice added that comparing the life style of Mahatama Gandhi and the leader, the channel states that Gandhiji always lived a simple life, whereas he wears a suit worth Rs 9 lakh and moves in expensive cars.
The ministry notice also mentions some other comments which it said appeared to be "deliberately provocative statement with the intent to instigate violence and disruption of law and order in the states/country."
The notice mentioned that while the channel has every right to question the conduct of a political leader, the way it criticised him in the particular news item seemed a deliberate attempt to malign his reputation, which is repugnant to the esteemed office he holds.
The notice adds that the comments appear to offend against good taste and decency and likely to encourage violence and are against maintainence of law and order.
It is understood that the channel has in its reply said that its programme was in larger public interest and against attempts to glorify Godse. The matter is presently being considered by an Inter Ministerial Committee (IMC) constituted by the ministry to look after violations of the programme code, it is learnt.