Supreme Court orders restoration of Neo News transmission
JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 11 May 2020
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The Supreme Court reinstated Neo News' transmission, overturning the Islamabad High Court's earlier ruling. Neo's appeal was focused on changes in its broadcast category.Summary
ISLAMABAD—The Supreme Court (SC) on Monday restored the transmission of Neo News Television after suspending the verdict of Islamabad High Court (IHC).
A two-member bench comprising Justice Mushir Alam and Justice Yahya Afridi heard the appeal filed by Neo News against IHC that had dismissed the channel's plea for a change in category from entertainment to current affairs and news.
Neo News advocate Ali Zafar argued in the court that Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) made rules through executive powers, adding that approval of cabinet was a must for such changes.
He said while quoting PEMRA Ordinance 2002 that it could only stop transmission for violations of public interest.
The court also directed Neo News to apply for relief against PEMRA regulations in IHC.
PEMRA had suspended the channel's transmission on May 6, saying the authority provided ample opportunities to Neo TV to revert to its original content. "Still, the licensee failed to go back to its original programming of entertainment and continued violating PEMRA directives and the Islamabad High Court verdict."
KEY POINTS:
- Supreme Court restores Neo News transmission
- Overturns Islamabad High Court decision
- Neo News argued for category change
- PEMRA previously suspended transmission
- Court directs Neo to seek relief in IHC
