A controversy erupted on Thursday over a promotional clip released by a TV channel about an ‘expose’ done by them on what they described as an “increasing number of Muslims” getting into civil services.
On Friday, the Delhi High Court stayed the broadcast of the controversial program of Sudarshan TV on Muslim candidates in the civil services. The channel had been issued a notice on a petition by current and former Jamia students. The next hearing is on September 7.
The show, ‘Bindas Bol’, was scheduled to be broadcast at 8 pm on Friday. The order came on a plea by students of Jamia Millia Islamia University.
Read: UPSC Jihad: Jamia Plans For Legal Action Against Sudarshan News Channel
A number of serving and retired civil service officers also condemned the video posted by the channel.
A news story targeting candidates in civil services on the basis of religion is being promoted by Sudarshan TV.
We condemn the communal and irresponsible piece of journalism.
— IPS Association (@IPS_Association) August 27, 2020
IPS officer Niharika Bhatt slammed the video, saying it was a “despicable attempt at hate-mongering”.
“To question the credentials of officers on the basis of religion is not only laughable but should also be dealt with strictest legal provisions. We are all Indians first,” she said.
Retired IPS officer NC Asthana said, “By casting doubts on the integrity and impartiality of a constitutional body like the UPSC in the selection of officers for All-India Services, he is spreading disaffection for the constitutional scheme of governance.” IPS officer R K Vij said it was “disgusting” and “condemnable”, and must be stopped.
#JamiaMilliaIslamia has called for a meeting to discuss if legal action can be initiated against a TV channel for its promo allegedly questioning the entry of Muslims in bureaucracy through #UPSCexams &also for referring to those who cleared exams from Jamia as "Jamia ke Jihadi". pic.twitter.com/EYbj7C96Wg
— IANS (@ians_india) August 27, 2020