License Misuse: Centre Cancels Security Clearance.

Kerala High Court directs Centre to decide within two months on a plea alleging violation of license conditions.

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday (March 24) directed the Central Government to take a time-bound decision on a representation alleging that the Malayalam news channel Reporter TV violated the Union Government’s broadcasting guidelines. Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas disposed of the petition.

The court action follows a petition filed by Sabu M. Jacob, President of the Twenty20 political party. The primary demand of the petition was to direct the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) to act upon a representation submitted on February 2, 2026. The Deputy Solicitor General of India (DSGI), appearing for the Central Government, informed the court that the Ministry of Home Affairs had already taken preliminary action following the petitioner’s representation. This includes the cancellation of the security clearance granted to the ninth respondent, Indo-Asian News Channel Private Limited, and the issuance of a show-cause notice. The counsel for the channel informed the court that the authorities had sought an explanation regarding the allegations and that a response had already been furnished. Observing that the matter is already under consideration by the relevant authorities, the court disposed of the writ petition.

The court ordered: "There will be a direction to the first respondent [the Centre] to take a decision with respect to the representation within an outer time limit of two months after the receipt of the copy of the judgment and after hearing both parties."

Key Arguments in the Petition:

* The broadcast license for Reporter TV was originally granted to Indo-Asian News Channel Private Limited. However, attempts were made in 2023 to alter the company's shareholding structure.

* K.J. Jose, Managing Director of Reporter Broadcasting Company, and shareholder V.V. Saju sought to acquire controlling stakes in Indo-Asian News Channel Pvt. Ltd., but the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) denied security clearance citing grounds linked to national security.

* Shares were transferred to another entity, Reporter Broadcasting Company Private Limited, without prior approval from the Ministry, which constitutes a violation of the licensing conditions.

Reporter channel founder and CPM leader MV Nikesh kumar and his wife Rani Varghese are the directors of Indo-Asian News ChannelPvt Ltd.