The court is hearing a petition asking for a ban on Sudarshan TV over its "UPSC Jihad" episodes.
Digital media is spreading venomous hatred and is involved in "deliberate instigation" of violence and terrorism, the government told the Supreme Court today, saying that the court should regulate web-based media first. The government also suggested that the court should leave it to parliament to decide on rules for electronic media.
"There is absolutely no check on the web-based digital media. Apart from spreading venomous hatred, deliberate and intended instigation to not only cause violence but even terrorism it is also capable of indulging in tarnishing the image of individuals and institutions. The said practice is, in fact, rampant," said the government in an affidavit.
"If Supreme Court wants to consider laying down guidelines, then court must regulate web-based digital media," it said, suggesting that electronic media should be left to parliament - or politicians.
This is the government's second affidavit recommending guidelines for digital media in a case related to private channel Sudarshan TV's show that claims "Muslims are infiltrating" government services.
There should be no guidelines for electronic media but if there are, it should be left to the legislature, the government said. "But if Supreme Court wants to lay down guidelines, then include web magazines, web-based news channels and web-based newspapers as they have wide reach and it completely uncontrolled," it said, pointing out that portals, web magazines and channels ran on video hosting platforms such as YouTube, which had "lakhs and crores" of subscribers.
In its previous affidavit, the government had made the same case - that the Supreme Court must look into regulating digital media before electronic media when it comes to laying down standards, as it has far more impact and has the potential to go viral.
"Digital media has faster reach, potential to become viral due to apps like WhatsApp, Twitter and Facebook," the government had said, adding, "Digital media has serious impact and because of its potential, the court must first take up digital media."
The first affidavit also said there was "sufficient framework and judicial pronouncements" on electronic media and print media.
The court is hearing a petition asking for a ban on Sudarshan TV over its "UPSC Jihad" episodes on the show "Bindas Bol". The court has put the show on hold, saying it attempts to vilify Muslims.
The top court had also voiced concern during hearings about the race for TRPs and "sensationalism" on TV. The case has been keenly watched at a time the seamy coverage of the Sushant Singh Rajput death investigations by some channels has been criticised.