SC issues notice to Centre to review security clearance of Sun TV’s Red FM India
Sun TV-owned Red FM India could not participate in phase 3 FM auctions last year after the home ministry refused to grant it security clearance
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday issued notices to the Centre and Sun TV on a plea filed by Bharatiya Janata Party leader Subramanian Swamy that sought cancellation of phase 3 licence granted to Sun TV-owned Red FM India.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India, T.S. Thakur, and D.Y. Chandrachud heard the petition, which said the licence should be cancelled on grounds of national security.
Last year, Red FM, a unit of Digital Radio Broadcasting (DRB), part of Sun TV Network, was refused the chance to participate in phase 3 FM auctions by the information and broadcasting ministry on grounds that the home ministry didn’t grant it security clearance.
The DRB then moved the Delhi high court, which allowed it to participate in the phase III auctions. The Union government then appealed this order before the apex court, which dismissed it.
The home ministry had refused security clearance to Red FM as Kalanithi Maran and his brother, former telecom minister Dayanidhi Maran, face charges of money laundering.
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