Kerala High Court directs Centre to address violent scenes in Bigg Boss; issues notice to Mohanlal, Disney, Asianet

The Kerala High Court recently directed the Central government to address the issue of telecast of certain violent scenes in Malayalam reality show Bigg Boss [Adv. Adarsh S v. Union of India & Ors.]. .A Bench of Justices A Muhamed Mustaque and MA Abdul Hakhim opined that the issue is a serious one and directed the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to immediately address the violations of any of its advisories. This may be done even by ordering stoppage of telecast of such shows on electronic media, the Court added. .The Court also issued notice to Malayalam cine actor Mohanlal who hosts the show, production company Endemol Shine India and telecasters Asianet and Disney Star. Notice was also issued to Haseeb SK, also called ASI Rocky, who punched a fellow contestant in a recent episode of the show. .The order was passed on a petition moved by a practicing lawyer of the High Court seeking directions to the Centre to take measures for the immediate cessation of the transmission of Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 6 program..The petitioner argued that the show has incidents of physical assault in contravention of directives and advisories issued by the Central government.The most recent incident involved a physical scuffle between two contestants, ASI Rocky and Sijo John, following which Rocky was evicted from the show. The petitioner contended that Asianet's promotional activities surrounding this incident contravened broadcasting regulations as outlined in the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 and associated programme and advertising codes. He also argued that the manner in which Mohanlal interacted with the contestants also underscored the seriousness of the situation The petition highlighted the potential violations of fundamental rights, breaches of broadcasting regulations, potential criminal offences and endangerment of public safety and morality. ."This matter raises a serious concern," the Court said as it directed the Centre to take appropriate action. The Court also permitted the petitioner to send a copy of the violent scenes to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting..The matter will be taken up next on May 20. .The petitioner, advocate Adarsh S, appeared in-person.[Read Order]