Central Information Commission
Md Iqbal Ansari vs Ministry Of Information & Broadcasting on 11 May, 2026
केन्द्रीय सूचना आयोग
Central Information Commission
बाबा गंगनाथ मागग, मुननरका
Baba Gangnath Marg, Munirka
नई निल्ली, New Delhi - 110067
File No: CIC/MOIAB/A/2025/643767
Md Iqbal Ansari
.....अपीलकर्ाग /Appellant
VERSUS
बनाम
CPIO : ....प्रनर्वािीगण /Respondent
1. The CPIO,
SO-RTI, Ministry of Information and
Broadcasting, 'A' Wing, Shastri
Bhavan, New Delhi - 110001.
2. The CPIO,
BC-I/II/III, M/o Information and
Broadcasting, A wing, Bhawan,
New Delhi-110001.
Date of Hearing : 11-05-2026
Date of Decision : 11-05-2026
INFORMATION COMMISSIONER : Khushwant Singh Sethi
Relevant facts emerging from appeal:
RTI application filed on : 01-06-2025
CPIO replied on : 06-06-2025
First appeal filed on : 13-07-2025
First Appellate Authority's order : 06-08-2025
2nd Appeal dated : 18-09-2025
CIC/MOIAB/A/2025/643767 Page 1 of 5
Information sought:
1. The Appellant filed an RTI application dated 01-06-2025 seeking the following information:
"Subject: Request for Inspection of Complaint Files and Records under Section 2(j) of the RTI Act 2005. Respected Sir/Madam, With reference to my previous RTI application No. MOIAB RE 25 00240 1 dated 24.04.2025 and first appeal No. MOIAB A E 25 000019 dated 09.05.2025, I received incomplete and unsatisfactory information regarding complaints against private satellite TV channels for violations of the Programme and Advertising Codes, especially those related to communal or anti-Muslim content. Despite requesting classification and categorization of such complaints and seeking inspection of relevant records, the information provided does not clarify the nature of complaints, action taken, or the channels involved. Section 2(j) of the RTI Act 2005 grants the right to inspect works, documents, and records. Section 6(1)(c) of the Cable Television Networks Rules 1994 prohibits programmes that attack religions or communities or promote communal attitudes. The Ministrys responses and annexures do not clarify which complaints pertain to communal or anti-Muslim content, nor do they provide transparent classification or allow meaningful scrutiny. The Ministry has issued advisories to TV channels to refrain from telecasting content that may disturb communal harmony, but there is no transparency on how complaints are categorized, investigated, or resolved. I have a right to verify the records, notings, and action taken on such complaints to ensure proper implementation of the Programme Code and to promote transparency, accountability, and communal harmony in media reporting, which is vital for democratic values and social cohesion. Although I have raised an appeal before the Central Information Commission (CIC) for violations and irregularities of multiple sections of the RTI Act 2005 with diary number 800011/2025 dated 29 May 2025, this inspection request is independent under Section 2(j) to enable transparent scrutiny of records. I also state that, if necessary, I will obtain desired certified copies of the relevant records during the inspection. Therefore, I request permission to physically inspect, under Section 2(j) of the RTI Act 2005, the following files and records maintained by the Ministry for the years 2023 to 2024: a. Major complaints received against private satellite TV channels for violation of Rule 6(1)(c) of the Programme Code, especially related to attacks on religions or communities, communal bias, or anti-Muslim content. b. Registers, files, and records showing the CIC/MOIAB/A/2025/643767 Page 2 of 5 classification or categorization of such complaints. c. File notings, internal correspondence, and action taken reports related to these complaints. d. Details of channels against whom action was taken, including warnings, advisories, fines, or other measures for communal or anti-Muslim content. e. Any other documents or records relevant to the handling and disposal of these complaints. Please inform me of the possible date, time, and place for inspection."
2. The CPIO, Sh. Pushpendra Yadav, Section Officer/CPIO(DM), M/o Information and Broadcasting, replied vide letter dated 06-06-2025 transferred the RTI application to the CPIO BC-I/II/III, M/o Information and Broadcasting, stating as under:
"Please refer to your RTI application, a copy of which is also marked to this CPIO, with registration No. MOIAB/R/E/25/00326 dated 01.06.2025.
2. It is stated in this regard that the undersigned CPIO is concerned with regulation of content on OTT platforms and content of publishers of news and current affairs on digital media which is governed under the Part-III of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 notified on 25.02.2021. The desired information is not available with the CPIΟ.
3. Your RTI application is being transferred under Section 6(3) of RTI Act, 2005 to concerned CPIO/PIO for providing requisite information to you directly."
3. Being dissatisfied, the Appellant filed a First Appeal dated 13-07-2025. The FAA vide its order dated 06-08-2025, held as under:
"4. WHEREAS, the First Appeal of the applicant has been examined and it is stated that the CPIO is concerned only with the content of digital news Publishers, content on OTT platforms and Online Advertisements. The information given by the CPIO vide letter of even No. dated 11.07.2025 is as per available record in Digital Media Division of the Ministry. "
4. Feeling aggrieved and dissatisfied, Appellant approached the Commission with the instant Second Appeal.
Relevant Facts emerged during Hearing:CIC/MOIAB/A/2025/643767 Page 3 of 5
The following were present:-
Appellant: Absent.
Respondent: Mr. Navneet Kumar, US and Mr. Devendar, SO, attended the hearing in person.
5. The Respondent submitted, that the appellant sought information regarding Major complaints received against private satellite TV channels for violation of Rule 6(1)(c) of the Programme Code; registers, files, and records showing the classification or categorization of such complaints etc. The respondent also submitted, that vide letter dated 25.06.2025, they had provided opportunity of inspection to the appellant and he had availed the same. The respondent also submitted, that the appellant had duly inspected the records. The respondent further submitted that initially they had informed the appellant to pay a fee of Rs. 372/- for obtaining copy of the documents. However, the disclosure of sought information in point no.1, would prejudicially affect the integrity of India and may lead to incitement of an offence. Hence, they claim exemption U/s 8(1)(a) and 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act.
Decision:
6. The Commission, after adverting to the facts and circumstances of the case, hearing the respondent and perusal of the records, observes that the appellant had already inspected the records on 11.07.2025. The Commission finds, that the sought information relates to 08 cases pertaining to violations of Rule 6(1)(c) of programme code. The appellant had not established his relation to the said 08 cases, as to whether he is the victim or complainant in the said 08 cases. Also, the Commission finds, that the disclosure of the sought information may endanger the life or physical safety of the complainants/witnesses in the said 08 cases. Hence, the sought information is exempted U/s 8(1)(j) and 8(1)(g) CIC/MOIAB/A/2025/643767 Page 4 of 5 of the RTI Act, 2005. The Commission finds, that the exemption U/s 8(1)(a) of the RTI Act, 2005 claimed by the respondent during the hearing is also appropriate. Therefore, no further relief is warranted. Accordingly, the appeal is dismissed.
Copy of the decision be provided free of cost to the parties.
(Khushwant Singh Sethi) (खुशवन्त स िंह ेठी) Information Commissioner ( ूचना आयुक्त) निनां क/Date: 11.05.2026 Authenticated true copy S. K. Chitkara (एस. के. नचटकारा) Dy. Registrar (उप-पंजीयक) 011-26107026 Copy To:
1. The CPIO, SO-RTI, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, 'A' Wing, Shastri Bhavan, New Delhi - 110001.
2. The CPIO, BC-I/II/III, M/o Information and Broadcasting, A wing, Bhawan, New Delhi-110001.
3. The FAA, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, 'A' Wing, Shastri Bhavan, New Delhi - 110001.
4. Md Iqbal Ansari CIC/MOIAB/A/2025/643767 Page 5 of 5 Recomendation(s) to PA under section 25(5) of the RTI Act, 2005:-
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