Terming iPlus TV an unauthorised channel, the Indian government has directed distribution platforms, including MSOs and cable operators, not to carry it on their networks.

“Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has prohibited M/s I Plus TV Telemedia Pvt. Ltd from the promotion of iPlus TV for the purpose of downlinking by any person, including individuals or cable operators, in this country, since no permission has been given to M/ s I Plus TV Telemedia Pirt. Ltd to uplink/downlink ‘iP1us TV’. As such, the ‘iPlus TV’ channel is not authorized to be downloaded by anyone in India,” MIB said in an advisory, citing relevant rules.

Rule 6(6) of the Cable Television Network Rules 1994 specifies that no cable operator sha1l carry or include in his or her cable service any television broadcast or channel that has not been registered by the federal government for being viewed within the territory of India.

MIB has also sent a letter to the owners of iPlus TV warning them to desist from promoting the channel on its website where it is also streamed.

“It has been observed that your company, namely, M/s. I Plus Telemedia Private limited, is not a permission holder for uplinking and downlinking of private satellite TV Channels from Ministry of Information & Broadcasting,” MIB said in a letter to the owners of iPlus TV, pointing out that despite the discrepancy, the website of the channel was continuing to promote the product and also requesting people to demand the channel from their cable ops.

“M/s. I Plus Telemedia Private limited is directed to stop forthwith promotion of iPlus TV for the purpose of downlinking by any person, including individuals or cable operators, in this country,” the MIB letter warned the broadcast company in a letter dated June 15, 2022, adding that it was advisable to “remove” the TV channel.

iPlus TV, according to its website, is an Islamic family TV channel attempting to create a “positive change in the Indian society by connecting people to their Creator”. It further says that that the aim of the channel is to try creating “harmony, understanding and tolerance among people from different faiths” with “quality programs for the entire family”, including social issues like societal reforms, female infanticide, corruption, dowry, etc.