Delhi HC refuses directions for pan India 24-hour Doordarshan channel for Sindhis [Read Order]

NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court has refused to direct the Central Government and Doordarshan to start a 24-hour all-India channel for the Sindhi community, observing that it is not workable, being a purely governmental function.

It is not workable for this Court to give directions to the respondents for opening of a new Doordarshan Channel for the Sindhi Community which is purely a governmental function, the Court said.

It was hearing a plea filed by one Asha Chand in 2015 for directions to the Union Government and Doordarshan for such a channel for the Sindhi community, stating that they are a linguistic minority.

It was pleaded that the channel would contribute to the promotion of the Sindhi language and culture.

Doordarshan, on the other hand, had stated that it has already been duly telecasting programmes in the Sindhi language in areas of Sindhi population concentration, on its DD Girnar, DD Rajasthan and and DD Sahyadri channels.

It has also been said to be exploring the possibility of having a dedicated slot or window for Sindhi programmes in a regional channel.

Therefore, having heard the parties, Justice Sudhir Kumar Jain said that there cannot be any two opinions that the Sindhi community has a right to preserve its own heritage and culture, however, Doordarshan is already telecasting various programmes for them.

It anyway added that Doordarshan was expected to make every possible effort and endeavour to open a new channel for the Sindhis in the future, as per policy and other guidelines.

Adv. Aaditya Gore represented the Petitioner, whereas, Adv. Anil Soni (CGSC) with Adv. Devvrat Yadav represented the Union and Adv. Radhalakshmi represented Doordarshan

Title: Asha Chand v Union of India & Anr.

[Read Order]