Channel banned for fake sex sting on Delhi teacher

Live India TV channel — under fire for its alleged fake sting operation — has been banned for a month. The decision was taken by I&B ministry and comes close on the heels of the strong stance taken by Delhi HC against the channel.

This is the first news channel to be banned in the country.

I&B minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi said, “When sting operations are done in pubic interest, exposing cash-for-query scam, Parliament expels the MPs. But when it is done to create sensation, I don’t see why it does not meet the fate of those MPs.”

The ministry took the decision based on a recommendation by the inter-ministerial committee, sources said.

The channel had been issued two show-cause notices for showing a programme based on half-truths, and slandering an individual. It had claimed that teacher Uma Khurana was involved in an organised prostitution racket of school girls.