Mumbai: An advertisement was being telecast on IBN-7, Hindi news channel of Television 18 newsgroup showing ill effects of smoking in which there was mockery of ‘Sadhus’ stooping to a very low level. A representation was given to Shri. Sanjay Singh, the senior editor by Shri. Shivaji Vatkar, the Mumbai District coordinator of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) against the advt. Shri. Singh assured to withdraw the Advt.
On receiving information about such denigrating Advertisement. on IBN – 7, office of the channel was contacted and protest was registered. Later, a representation was prepared on the basis of relevant news published in ‘Daily Sanatan Prabhat’, condemning ridicule of ‘Sadhus’. In the said advertisement, there is mockery of Bal Brahmachari Hanuman, Gajanan Maharaj, H.H. Bhalachandra Maharaj and other saints hurting religious feelings of Hindus. Under article 295-A of the Indian Constitution, it is an offence. Therefore, a demand has been made to stop telecast of the advertisement and the news channel should render a public apology.
Members of HJS went to the office of the news channel where they were made to wait for a long time to meet the editor of the channel. HJS members therefore, explained to the staff the seriousness about the matter who then arranged for their meeting with Shri. Sanjay Singh, a senior editor. While the discussions were going on with him, Dy. Commissioner of police went to news channel’s office with his assistant staff as they had received a phone call from that office about members of a Hindu organization coming to the office and there was likelihood of unrest. Shri. Singh told the police that only 2 members of HJS were in the office and they had given a representation to him. He also told the police that he had nothing to complain against the HJS members.
Shri. Sanjay Singh informed Shri. Vatkar that the advertisement was being telecast from Delhi and he would contact the concerned so that necessary action can be taken to stop its telecast. He asked for some time. Shri. Vatkar advised him to inform HJS immediately after the advt. is withdrawn.
Source: ‘ Daily Sanatan Prabhat ‘
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