The Supreme Court has directed Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to take measures to stop obscenity on the TV channels.
“PEMRA should consult all the stakeholders for the purpose and after clearly defining the limits and obscenity on TV channels should submit report after four weeks.”
A three-member bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry on Monday heard the case.
The cable operators and owners of the TV channels submitted their reply in the court. The bench also allowed Cable Operators Association (COA) and Pakistan Broadcasting Association (PBCA) to become party in the case.
During the hearing the CJ remarked, “Those who have filed the petition are respectable persons.” He said, “PEMRA serving notices to TV channels is nothing but eyewash.”
PEMRA chairman, who was asked by the bench to take measures to stop obscenity during previous hearing, said that they would observe a difference watching the TV shows now.
He told the court, “PBCA says those who have problem with the TV channels should not watch them.”
The CJ said that PBCA’s stance was violation of PEMRA rules. The court directed PEMRA chairman to take measures with the help of all the parties to stop obscenity on the TV channels, clearly define the obscenity and submit report after four weeks.
Later the SC adjourned the hearing of the case till September 17.