Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act 1995 decriminalized
Source: PIB
GS II: Governance
Overview
- News in Brief
- Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995
- In conclusion
Why in the News?
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has today notified amendments in the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994 thereby providing the operational mechanism for implementation of the decriminalized provisions of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995.
News in Brief
- Ministry issued a notification appointing 3rd October 2023 as the date from which provisions of the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023 and entries in the schedule to it with respect to the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 has come into force.
- Section 16 of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 dealt with the punishment for contraventions under any of its provisions.
- This section had provision for imprisonment which might extend up to 2 years, in case of first instance and 5 years for every subsequent offence.
- With an aim to make the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 more business-friendly and to boost investor confidence in the sector, punishments specified under Section 16 were re-examined and were decriminalized through the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provision) Act, 2023.
- The imprisonment provisions have been now replaced with monetary penalties and other non-monetary measures like Advisory, Warning and Censure.
- These measures will be enforced through the “designated officer” defined in the rules notified.
- Moreover, Section 16 now introduces an appeal mechanism against the order made by the designated officer.
- Sections 17 and 18 were omitted for being redundant.
Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995
- The Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 is an important piece of legislation in India that governs the regulation of cable television networks and the content broadcasted through them.
- Below is a detailed UPSC answer regarding the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995:
Introduction
- The Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, commonly known as the Cable TV Act, is a significant legal framework in India that regulates the cable television industry.
- This act was enacted to address the emerging challenges and concerns associated with the rapidly growing cable television sector in the country.
Key Provisions
- Licensing
- The Act mandates that cable television operators must obtain a license from the appropriate authority to operate a cable television network.
- This licensing system allows the government to monitor and regulate cable TV services.
- Content Regulation
- One of the central objectives of the Act is to regulate the content broadcasted through cable television networks.
- It empowers the government to prescribe a Code of Conduct and Program Code to ensure that the content is in line with public decency, morality, and order.
- The Act also empowers the government to prohibit the transmission of certain content that can incite violence or disturb law and order.
- Advertising Standards
- The Act also regulates the advertising content on cable television.
- It ensures that advertisements do not promote products or services that are harmful to health and safety.
- Advertisements must also adhere to ethical standards.
- Programme Code
- The Act prescribes a Programme Code that contains guidelines for cable television networks.
- It includes rules related to the depiction of violence, obscenity, and other sensitive issues.
- It also emphasizes the importance of maintaining communal harmony and respecting the cultural diversity of India.
- Redressal Mechanism
- The Cable TV Act establishes a redressal mechanism for viewers.
- It allows viewers to file complaints against cable operators for violations of the Act’s provisions. Cable operators who fail to comply with the Act’s regulations can face penalties, including fines and suspension or revocation of their licenses.
- Penalties
- The Act outlines penalties for violations, including fines and imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offence.
Significance: The Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, is significant for several reasons:
- Content Regulation: It ensures that the content broadcasted on cable television adheres to ethical and legal standards, which is crucial for maintaining social harmony and preventing the spread of harmful content.
- Consumer Protection: The Act provides a mechanism for viewers to seek redressal if they find any content objectionable or if they have grievances against cable operators. This promotes consumer protection and accountability in the cable TV industry.
- Government Control: The Act allows the government to regulate and control the cable television sector to prevent the misuse of the medium and protect the interests of the public.
- Cultural Sensitivity: By prescribing guidelines for the depiction of cultural and sensitive issues, the Act helps in maintaining the cultural diversity and integrity of India.
In conclusion
- Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, plays a vital role in regulating the cable television industry in India.
- It ensures that the content broadcasted through cable TV networks is in line with ethical and legal standards and provides a mechanism for consumer protection and redressal of grievances.
- Currently, there are over 1400 Multi-system Operators registered with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
- Decriminalization of the contraventions of provisions of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 and replacement with civil penalties shall boost stakeholders’ confidence and promote the ease of doing business.
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