I&B Ministry
VTV & DY365 to go off air for violating programming act
MUMBAI: In two separate cases, the ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB) has asked channels VTV and DY 365 to be taken off air.
In the first case, VTV has been asked to go off air for a day on 16 December, for violating the provisions of the programme code under Cable TV Networks Regulation Act of 1995. The channel telecast a news programme namely, ‘viral truth’ on 20 March 2017 at 7 pm in which a man could be seen brutally beating up children in an orphanage and the video started trending on social media alleging that this incident occurred in RMVM school of Valsad Gujarat. However, when the channel conducted its own investigation about this video, it found that the video was of an incident in an orphanage in Egypt. While reporting the news, the channel showed disturbing visuals of the orphan kids who were beaten up and thrashed brutally by the manager.
The inter-ministerial committee believes the channel tried to sensationalise the issue to grab the attention of its viewers and such visuals not only offend good taste/decency but also denigrate children by showing them being brutally tortured.
In the second case, an Assamese channel DY 365 has been asked to go off air for three days from 15-18 December 2017. It telecast a news report on 6 June 2017 at 12.59 pm in which a man could be seen tossing a new-born baby up and down in the air. He hurls and slings the baby in every possible manner and direction without a shred of care and concern. The video meant to expose an extremely dangerous superstition allegedly prevalent in some parts of Assam where people believe that undergoing this ritual will keep the child safe.
The ministry believes the visuals are extremely disturbing, and not suitable for unrestricted public exhibition and has recommended that the channel may be handed Three days off-air penalty for violation of the provisions of programme & advertising codes.
The channel was in violation of Rule 6 (1) (a), (l) & (o) of the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994 under the Cable Television Networks Regulation Act, 1995.
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I&B Ministry
MIB blocks MoodXVIP, Koyal Playpro and three other OTT platforms over obscene, sexually explicit content
Platforms streamed material violating IT Act provisions
NATIONAL: India’s Information and Broadcasting Ministry blocked five over-the-top streaming platforms for allegedly hosting obscene and sexually explicit content, marking a fresh escalation in regulatory action against digital services operating outside the country’s content rules, as per media reports.
The platforms, MoodXVIP, Koyal Playpro, Digi Movieplex, Feel and Jugnu, were found to be streaming material that prima facie violates provisions of the Information Technology Act and rules governing online publishers.
Blocking orders were issued under statutory powers that allow the government to restrict access to online content in the interest of public order and decency. Internet service providers have been directed to disable access to the websites and mobile applications linked to the platforms.
The move forms part of a wider surveillance drive by the ministry targeting lesser-known and unregulated streaming services that allegedly evade self-regulatory obligations applicable to OTT platforms. Officials said the action followed repeated advisories urging compliance with Indian laws, including age-based classification, grievance redressal mechanisms and restrictions on explicit material.
Government sources described the content hosted by the blocked platforms as “highly explicit”, adding that it crossed legal thresholds permitted under Indian law. While large OTT players operate within a three-tier grievance redressal framework introduced in 2021, smaller apps have increasingly drawn scrutiny for distributing adult content without oversight.
The latest action also reflects heightened enforcement against platforms operating through mirror websites, offshore hosting arrangements or opaque ownership structures. Authorities have in recent years stepped up monitoring of online curated content amid concerns around obscenity, misleading promotions and unlawful distribution.
Officials declined to say whether further steps, including probes into operators, payment gateways or production entities, were being considered. However, sources indicated that additional platforms could face similar action if found in breach of the law.
