The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, today, notified amendments in the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994 which provides the operational mechanism for implementation of the decriminalized provisions of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995. The Ministry in a statement said that to make the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act more business-friendly and to boost investor confidence in the sector, punishments specified under the Act were re-examined and were decriminalized through the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provision) Act, 2023. It added that the imprisonment provisions have been now replaced with monetary penalties and other non-monetary measures like Advisory, Warning, and Censure. It added that these measures will be enforced through the “designated officer” defined in the rules notified today.
The Ministry said that the amendments are expected to encourage compliance with the Act without resorting to harsh punishments and sensitive to minor or unintended contraventions. The inclusion of advisory, censure, and warnings in the range of penalties suggests the focus is on educating and encouraging compliance rather than solely punishing contraventions. It also said that the inclusion of an appeal mechanism provides individuals or entities the opportunity to challenge penalties or decisions. This ensures a fair and transparent process and safeguards against potential abuse of power.
