News Broadcasting
NBF backs supreme court observation on misused sedition laws
KOLKATA: The News Broadcasters Federation has supported the concern, as expressed by the Supreme Court, over rampant misuse of antiquated sedition laws in India to gag and muzzle the media from dissemination constructive criticism of authorities in power in public interest.
“We are of the view that the ambit and parameters of the provisions of Sections 124A, 153A and 505 of the Indian Penal Code 1860 would require interpretation, particularly in the context of the right of the electronic and print media to communicate news, information and the rights, even those that may be critical of the prevailing regime in any part of the nation,” a three-judge bench comprising of justices Dr. Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, L. Nageswara Rao, and S. Ravindra Bhat, said in their order delivered on Monday.
The bench was hearing petitioners TV5 and ABN, who had challenged the first information report registered against broadcasters of news and views, critical of the state government of Andhra Pradesh and its chief minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. The order restrained the state government of Andhra Pradesh from taking any coercive actions against the two news channels, till the next date of hearing.
“The News Broadcasters Federation strongly stands and appreciates TV5, our respected member who have taken (up) this issue, of freedom of speech and expression,” NBF stated.
The NBF communication further said, “We believe that fair and honest criticism is the backbone of democracy. NBF reiterates and urges the government of India to immediately set-up an independent, neutral national agency to investigate into any allegations of professional misconduct by journalists, executives, and owners of news media companies, in order to prevent selective harassment by the state authority and to ensure the freedom of the press.”
News Broadcasting
Kamlesh Singh receives Haldi Ghati Award from MMCF
India Today Group editor honoured for three decades of journalism at Udaipur ceremony.
MUMBAI- Kamlesh Singh just turned a lifetime of sharp words into a shiny shield because when journalism wakes up a society, even the Maharana of Mewar wants to pin a medal on it.
The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) conferred its prestigious Haldi Ghati Award on Kamlesh Singh, a senior editor at the India Today Group, during a ceremony in Udaipur on 15 March 2026. The national award, instituted in 1981-82, recognises “work of permanent value that initiates an awakening in society through the medium of journalism.”
Singh, who leads several editorial initiatives including Aaj Tak Radio, the Teen Taal community and The Lallantop, was presented the honour by Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Managing Trustee of MMCF. The citation highlighted his three decades of contributions to Indian media, innovations in digital journalism, mentoring young reporters, and his popular podcast persona “Tau” on Teen Taal, which fosters thoughtful public discourse.
The Haldi Ghati Award, named after the historic Battle of Haldighati symbolising valour and resilience, is one of four national awards given annually by MMCF. Past recipients include Tavleen Singh, Piyush Pandey and Raj Chengappa.
Other honourees this year included Padma Vibhushan Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Vedamurti Devvrat Rekhe, Treeman of India Marimuthu Yoganathan, Vir Chakra Capt Rizwan Malik, and US-based researcher Molly Emma Aitken, who received the Colonel James Tod Award for contributions to understanding Mewar’s spirit and values.
In an era where headlines often shout louder than substance, the MMCF quietly reminded everyone that real journalism isn’t about noise, it’s about the quiet, persistent work that stirs society awake, one thoughtful story at a time.
