Chilling effect: Supreme Court lifts ban on MediaOne news channel

The Supreme Court on Wednesday set aside the Centre’s ban on Malayalam news channel MediaOne and observed that sealed cover proceedings go against the principles of natural justice and “restrict the right to fair and reasonable hearing”.

The matter pertains to the Centre’s January 31 directive revoking the licence of the news channel and banning its telecast on security grounds. This was upheld by the Kerala High Court, but was stayed by the top court on March 15 in an interim order.

The Bench of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice Hima Kohli took issue with the use of sealed covers.