The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) on February 13, 2026, notified regarding Regulatory Framework and Grievance Mechanism for Private TV Channels in India.
Private satellite television channels must comply with the Advertising Code and Programme Code prescribed under the Cable Television regulatory framework, which prohibit content that attacks religions or communities, promotes communal attitudes, or defames individuals or social groups. These rules are intended to maintain public order, uphold ethical broadcasting standards, and prevent content that could harm social harmony or public morality.
To strengthen enforcement, the Government introduced the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021, which established a structured three-level grievance redressal mechanism. Complaints about programme content are first handled by the broadcaster itself (Level I), then by self-regulating bodies of broadcasters (Level II), and finally by an oversight mechanism of the Central Government (Level III). The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting may issue advisories, warnings, apology scroll directives, or off-air orders where violations are found.
Under this framework, most complaints are resolved at the broadcaster or industry self-regulation level, while the Government primarily exercises supervisory oversight at the final stage. This system balances industry self-regulation with statutory accountability to ensure responsible television broadcasting.
[Release ID: 2227700]
