(1.) The Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting[1] revoked the permission which it had granted to Madhyamam Broadcasting Limited[2] to uplink and downlink a news and current affairs television channel called "Media One". The appellants, comprising of MBL, the trade union of working journalists, and the editor, Senior Web Designer and Senior Cameraman of Planetcast Media Services Ltd, initiated proceedings under Article 226 of the Constitution before the High Court of Kerala for challenging the action of the first respondent. By a judgment dtd. 8/2/2022, a Single Judge dismissed the petitions. The writ appeal was dismissed by the Division Bench of the High Court by a judgment dtd. 2/3/2022. The High Court relied on material which was disclosed solely to the Court in a sealed cover by the second respondent, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs[3]. The appellants instituted proceedings under Article 136 of the Constitution to challenge the correctness of the judgment of the Division Bench of the High Court.
(2.) On 19/5/2010, MBL applied for permission to uplink and downlink a news and current affairs television channel named Media One. On 7/2/2011, MHA granted a security clearance for the operation of the channel. By an order dtd. 30/9/2011, MIB gave MBL permission to uplink Media One for a period of ten years under the Policy Guidelines for Uplinking of Television Channels from India[4]. The permission was granted subject inter alia, to compliance with the terms and conditions set out in the Annexure to the letter. The Annexure to the uplinking permission prescribes the following conditions:
(3.) In 2012, MBL applied for uplinking and downlinking of a non-news television channel called Media One Life, and news television channel, Media One Global. MBL withdrew the application for Media One Global. On 26/8/2015, MIB granted permission to uplink and downlink Media One Life for a period of ten years.