‘The airwaves are public property’ is a declaration of:
(A) Supreme court
(B) Prasar Bharati
(C) Press council
(D) ITU
Correct Ans: (A)
Explanation:
The Supreme Court of India declared that airwaves are public property, emphasizing their regulation in the public interest. This ruling ensures that radio frequencies and broadcasting rights serve the general public rather than private monopolies.
In the 1995 Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting v. Cricket Association of Bengal case, the Supreme Court ruled that freedom of speech and expression includes the right to receive and impart information. Since airwaves are a limited natural resource, the government must regulate their use to ensure fair and unbiased media access.
Because of this ruling, the government introduced policies to prevent media monopolies and ensure diverse viewpoints in broadcasting. Regulatory bodies like Prasar Bharati and TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) oversee content distribution and licensing.
The Press Council of India (PCI), mentioned in the options, regulates print media ethics, not broadcasting. Meanwhile, ITU (International Telecommunication Union), a global agency, manages spectrum allocation internationally but does not govern Indian broadcasting laws.
This landmark decision reinforces the principle that broadcasting should serve democracy by providing fair access to information. It also encourages diverse media ownership, preventing control by a few powerful entities.
