The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has directed two television channels, Mangalam and Whistle TV, to go off the air for breaching uplinking guidelines, including non-renewal of permissions, despite several extensions and prohibited cable networks from carrying them.

“G.N. Infomedia Private Limited is found to be in contravention of clause 2.1.2,3.1.13, 5.4 & 5.8 of uplinking guidelines. Accordingly, the telecast of the TV channels, Manglam and Whistle TV, is prohibited for a period of 30 days with immediate effect with the direction to the company to pay outstanding dues and fulfil regulatory compliances,” the government directive to the media company stated.

The letter, dated October 27, however, added that if the company applied for a 10-year renewal for the two channels and took necessary steps to remove other violations of the policy guidelines during the period of prohibition, the “permission to the channel may be considered for restoration”.

According to government data, the two channels’ permission had expired on October 26, 2020.

MIB also advised distribution platforms, MSOs and LCOs to not carry the two prohibited TV channels on their networks for 30 days, failing which action would be initiated against them under relevant laws.

The Ministry had informed the owners of the two channels mid-January 2022 to apply for a l0-year renewal and got a request seeking an extension. A reminder was sent in February again. After another extension was sought, the company was informed to get the renewal completed by July 31, which was not done.

The MIB letter also noted: “As per MGT-7 Form filed by the company for the financial year 2018-19, the net worth of the company is Rs. 1.66 crore, which is not sufficient against the required net worth of Rs. 4.50 crore. Hence, the company has violated the Clause 2.1.2 and Clause 3.1.13 of the uplinking guidelines, 2005.”