MIB action against TV channels declines after 2022 high

The ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB) has seen a sharp decline in enforcement action against television broadcasters after a peak in 2022, according to a written reply in the Lok Sabha by minister of state L Murugan.

The ministry took 12 actions in 2024 and 2025 combined for violations of the Programme Code and Advertising Code, including four in 2024 and eight in 2025. This is significantly lower than 52 actions in 2022 and 37 in 2023.

In 2021, the ministry had taken 43 actions, including advisories to specific channels, warnings and apology scroll orders. That year also saw one instance each of cancellation of permission and an order for disclaimer.

Overall, the ministry has taken 144 actions over the last five years.

Private television channels are required to comply with the Programme Code and Advertising Code under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995.

The Programme Code bars content containing obscenity, attacks on religions or communities, material contemptuous of religious groups, content promoting communal attitudes, or content that maligns individuals or sections of society.

The Advertising Code mandates that advertisements avoid indecent, vulgar, suggestive, repulsive or offensive themes.The government has established a three-level grievance redressal mechanism for violations. Complaints are first handled by broadcasters, followed by self-regulating bodies, and finally overseen by the central government.

Action against private satellite TV channels includes advisories, warnings, apology scroll orders and off-air orders. The ministry also issues periodic advisories to ensure compliance.

Beyond television, the government has outlined regulatory frameworks for other media segments. Print publications are governed by the Norms of Journalistic Conduct issued by the Press Council of India, which prohibit fake, defamatory or misleading content and allow for censure of violators.

Digital news publishers and online curated content platforms are regulated under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, which prescribe a Code of Ethics along with a three-level grievance redressal mechanism.