News Broadcasting
NDTV issues statement on tax demand of Rs 4.3 bn
MUMBAI: NDTV has issued a statement on the immediate tax demand of Rs 4.3 billion.
It stated on its web site: “The attempt to intimidate and paralyze NDTV has expanded to epic proportions in the last 24 hours. There are new attacks from the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate. In short, there is a three-pronged attack on NDTV by the:
1) CBI
2) Enforcement Directorate
3) Income Tax Department”
“All three agencies are attacking NDTV over one transaction in which GE, USA, made a US$ 150 million investment in NDTV – a perfectly legitimate and publicly, officially declared investment – which they are calling a “sham transaction,” it stated.
“Especially shocking is a demand of Rs. 4.3 billion from the Income Tax Department. The Income Tax Department’s letter, (sent today — 27 July), says NDTV has to pay the amount “immediately now” (sic!). A demand for immediate payment without any notice period is unheard of and smacks of sinister motives by the IT Department,” it added.
NDTV says:
“The IT department has not even completed the assessment of NDTV as directed by the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT).
The ITAT had told the IT Department to make a fresh assessment on no less than four issues. These instructions have been flat-out ignored by the IT Department in rushing its tax demand to NDTV.
It is unknown in law to make this sort of “partial tax demand” without completing the entire tax assessment.
Income Tax law only recognises one assessment order – and the IT Department must complete the assessment including the four new factors raised by the ITAT.
After the ITAT order (based on incorrect facts given by the IT Department), NDTV has, by law, 120 days to appeal. It is shocking that even before the appeal can be filed, the tax department has shown such alacrity in demanding the tax. This is the same Tax Department which dragged its feet for three years, seeking more than 20 adjournments in the ITAT.
The new urgency reflects instructions to punish NDTV and to issue a warning to the media at large of the consequences of balanced journalism.
In an undisguised fishing expedition, the CBI has sent NDTV a letter demanding documents from NDTV and its subsidiaries for an unspecified period – this despite NDTV having supplied more than 500 pages of documents only two weeks ago. Strangely, the CBI does not acknowledge the receipt of these documents.
Separately, the Enforcement Directorate informed the Bombay High Court yesterday that it is investigating NDTV for violations under PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act) – it has never, of course, informed NDTV of any such charge. The ED has already spent a good part of the year summoning NDTV management and questioning them repeatedly, without informing the company of what it has done wrong.
The government is making clear the implications of fearless journalism. Despite the illegal and massive pressure, NDTV will not allow its coverage to be affected by these shameful tactics.”
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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.
