IMPHAL, December 19: Members of the treasury and opposition today put forward proposals for initiating suo-moto case against the local private television channel, the Information Service Television, for making defamatory remarks against members of the House.
Raising the issues during Zero Hour, Wangjing Tentha MLA P Brojen claimed that the network’s morning show ‘ISTV Gi Ayukshida’ put the legislatures, including ministers, in poor light by making derogatory and disrespectful remarks against them. He stated that during the programmes the participants charged the MLAs and ministers of violating traffic rules, double speaking and indulging in other senseless behaviors. He maintained that the statements affect the prestige of all the members of the House, adding that the same have been broadcast repeatedly as ads.
Maintaining that both the ruling and opposition MLAs are dispensing their duties in a befitting manner, he sought to know whether the television channel is accusing the members of transgression of rules. He dared the analysts and critics on the show to point out where they have faulted if they are well-versed with the law, and further alleged that opinions were given in order to grab publicity. He demanded that proper documentation be allowed on the malicious programme and stored at the Assembly library.
Minister for PHED I Hemochandra and TMC MLA Dr I Ibohalbi spoke in support of Brojen and favored taking up of a suo-moto case against ISTV.
Answering to the pleas of the legislatures, Speaker Th Lokeshwar asked them to submit a formal application, assuring that he will look into the actions that can be taken up.
On the other hand, NCP MLA L Ibomcha asked whether the statement of Union Home Secretary on the border fencing issue published in local newspapers is true and demanded actions against the publication if the reports are misleading
Sagolband MLA RK Imo drew the attention of the House on the misuse of beacon lights in Manipur and sought punishment against the offenders.