I&B Ministry Asks Home Ministry Why Sun TV was Denied Clearance: Report

New Delhi: The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has written to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) seeking reasons behind the denial of security clearance to 33 channels of Kalanithi Maran-promoted Sun TV Network so that it can take further action.

"We have asked for the reasons behind this decision," a senior I&B Ministry official said, adding that the principle of natural justice demands that the concerned party is also given a hearing if any action has to be taken.

The I&B Ministry issues broadcasting licences for which companies require a security nod from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Sources said that with the security nod being denied, the I&B Ministry could consider issuing a show cause notice but for that it would need to know the reasons as to why the clearance was not given.

It is learnt that in an earlier instance, the I&B Ministry had found itself in a tight spot over an order asking the Maran family-run Kal Cables to stop operating after the Ministry of Home Affairs declined to give it security clearance.

Meanwhile, senior I&B Ministry officials, when contacted, remained tight-lipped about the development saying that "consultations were on" about the issue.

The Sun TV Network is one of India's largest media group whose TV channels reach more than 95 million households in the country.

The network had applied to the I&B Ministry for renewing its broadcasting licence for 10 years for which it needed the Home Affairs Ministry nod.