The News Broadcasting and Digital Standards Authority (NBDSA) has directed News18 India to delete an interview with Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, known as Bageshwar Baba, due to its promotion of superstition and religious discord. The NBDSA ordered that the interview, which was aired on July 10, 2023, be removed from all platforms within seven days, as per a report by the Bar and Bench.
The decision, announced on November 6, follows a complaint by Indrajeet Ghorpade, who argued that the broadcast violated self-regulation principles by promoting superstitious and divisive content. During the programme, Shastri made controversial statements advocating for a Hindu Rashtra and alleging that Islam encourages “love jihad,” which raised concerns about religious disharmony.
Justice (Retd) AK Sikri, NBDSA Chairperson, noted that the interview’s content went against guidelines, which prohibit programmes that foster superstition, occult beliefs, or communal tension. Justice Sikri criticised News18 for hosting a guest likely to make inflammatory statements and emphasised that broadcasters are responsible for comments made by their guests under NBDSA guidelines.
In defence, News18 cited Shastri’s news prominence and claimed it was not responsible for his statements, explaining that the anchor attempted to discourage divisive remarks. However, NBDSA maintained that broadcasters must avoid airing content that contravenes the Code of Ethics & Broadcasting Standards, particularly when it could incite religious discord.
The NBDSA order highlights the importance of adherence to standards, reinforcing that broadcasters should exercise caution with content that may perpetuate superstition or inflame communal sentiments.
