Section 18 in Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994
18. Self-regulation by the self-regulating body of broadcasters.
(1) There may be one or more self-regulatory body of broadcasters, being an independent body consituted by the broadcasters or its association:Provided that every such self-regulating body shall be constituted by a minimum of forty broadcasters.(2)Every self-regulating body referred to in sub-rule (1) shall be headed by a retired judge of the Supreme Court or of a High Court or an independent eminent person from the field of media, broadcasting, entertainment, child rights, human rights or such other relevant fields, and shall have other members, preferably not exceeding six, being independent experts in the field of media, broadcasting, entertainment, child rights, human rights and such other relevant fields.(3)The self-regulating body shall, after its constitution in accordance with sub-rule (2), register itself with the Central Government within a period of thirty days from the date of publication of these rules, or within thirty days from the date of its constitution, whichever is earlier:Provided that before granting registration to the self-regulating body, the Central Government shall satisfy itself that the self-regulating body has been constituted in accordance with sub-rule (2) and has agreed to perform the functions specified in sub-rules (4) and (5).(4)The self-regulating body shall perform the following functions, namely: -(i)oversee and ensure the alignment and adherence by the broadcaster to the Programme Code and the Advertising Code;(ii)provide guidance to the broadcaster on various aspects of the Programme Code and the Advertising Code;(iii)dispose of grievances which have not been disposed of by the broadcaster within the specified period of fifteen days;(iv)hear appeals filed by the complainant against the decision of the broadcaster;(v)issue such guidance or advisories to a broadcaster, including those specified in sub-rule (5), for ensuring compliance to the Programme Code and the Advertising Code.(5)A self-regulating body while disposing complaint or an appeal referred to in sub-rule (4) may issue the following guidance or advisories to the broadcaster, namely: -(i)advisory, warning, censure, admonish or reprimand; or(ii)an apology to be telecast by the broadcaster; or(iii)include a warning card or a disclaimer; or(iv)in case of any content where it is satisfied that there is a need for taking action to delete or modify content, refer it to the Central Government for the consideration of the oversight mechanism referred to in rule 19 for appropriate action.(6)Where the self-regulating body is of the opinion that there is no violation of the Programme Code or the Advertising Code, it shall convey such decision to the complainant and the broadcaster.(7)Where the broadcaster fails to comply with the guidance or advisory of the self-regulating body within the time specified in such guidance or advisory, the self-regulating body shall refer the matter to the Oversight Mechanism referred to in rule 19 within fifteen days of expiry of the stipulated period.
