Case Note & Summary
The petitioner, K. Premsinh Varma, a wildlife film producer, filed a writ petition challenging Clauses 9 and 10 of Doordarshan's New Sponsorship Scheme. He had submitted a proposal for a wildlife series titled 'Wild Ones' in 1990, which was rejected without reasons. After a direction from the Delhi High Court, he was asked to produce a pilot episode at his own cost within three months. He sought an extension due to the nature of wildlife filming, and after no response, he submitted the pilot episode in February 1998. The Prasar Bharati acknowledged receipt but took no further action. The petitioner then challenged Clauses 9 and 10 of the Sponsorship Scheme, arguing they were arbitrary and violated Article 14. The court examined the scheme and found that the clauses were part of a reasonable classification to regulate sponsored content. The court held that the petitioner's grievance about the rejection of his proposal was not directly related to these clauses. The petition was dismissed as the clauses were not arbitrary and the scheme was valid.
Headnote
A) Constitutional Law - Article 14 - Reasonable Classification - Clauses 9 and 10 of Doordarshan's New Sponsorship Scheme - The petitioner challenged these clauses as arbitrary. The court held that the classification between sponsored programmes and other programmes is reasonable and based on intelligible differentia. The clauses are not arbitrary and do not violate Article 14. (Paras 1-10) B) Broadcasting Law - Doordarshan Sponsorship Scheme - Clauses 9 and 10 - Validity - The court examined the scheme and found that Clauses 9 and 10 are part of a valid policy to regulate sponsored content on public broadcaster. The petitioner's grievance regarding rejection of his proposal was not linked to these clauses. (Paras 1-10)
Issue of Consideration
Whether Clauses 9 and 10 of Doordarshan's New Sponsorship Scheme are arbitrary and violative of Article 14 of the Constitution of India.
Final Decision
The petition is dismissed. Clauses 9 and 10 of Doordarshan's New Sponsorship Scheme are held to be valid and not arbitrary.
Law Points
- Doordarshan Sponsorship Scheme
- Clauses 9 and 10
- Arbitrariness
- Reasonable Classification
- Public Broadcasting
- Prasar Bharati Act
- 1990
