The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has recently issued a notice about a public interest litigation (PIL) petition. The petition requests the establishment of a 24 x 7 television channel on Doordarshan (DD) dedicated to the Dogri language. The case is titled Jayesh Kumar V/s Union of India.
A Bench consisting of Acting Chief Justice Tashi Rabstan and Justice Puneet Gupta has also designated advocate Aseem Sawhney as an Amicus Curiae to provide assistance in the case.
Sawhney proposed that the government consider the possibility of launching a DD channel that broadcasts in the Ladakhi language.
The Court considered the suggestion and instructed Advocate General DC Raina to seek instructions on this matter as well.
A petition has been filed by Jayesh Kumar, urging for the introduction of a DD Channel dedicated to broadcasting in the Dogri language. This proposed Duggar TV channel would be in line with other DD channels that cater to regional languages like DD Kashir, DD Punjabi, DD Odia, DD Bangal, and more.
In order to carry out this task, Kumar has requested the Court to instruct the Union of India, Director of Doordarshan, and the chairman of the Broadcasting Corporation of India to create a new regional subsidiary DD channel studio in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
Kumar emphasised the importance of having a dedicated TV channel for the Duggar region, covering areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh. He suggested that this channel should be available 24×7, similar to DD Kashir and other DD Channels.
On August 12, the Court addressed the matter by issuing notice and granting permission for Prasar Bharti to be included in the case.
Vishal Sharma, the Deputy Solicitor General of India, appeared on behalf of the Central government authorities and also waived notice for the Prasar Bharti.
Advocate General DC Raina and Additional Advocate General (AAG) were the legal representatives for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The petitioner was represented by advocate Himanshu Beotra.
The next hearing for the matter is scheduled for September 25, 2024.