I&B Ministry issues advisory on depiction of rash driving in print and television

Move comes amidst mounting concerns on depiction of rash, negligent and dangerous driving in various progammes

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting released an advisory addressing the various media bodies against airing and/or printing of scenes depicting rash, negligentand dangerous driving.

The advisory sent to the News Broadcasters Association (NBA), the Broadcast content complaints council (BCCC), the Advertising Standards council of India (ASCI) and the Press Council of India, was also addressed to all private television channels, Doordarshan and all newspapers in the country.

The ministry took the step after the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways raised concerns on depiction of rash, negligent and dangerous driving in various progammes, serials, news features,etc. on TV channels and in print media and pointed out that such depictions could be against public interest.

Based on this, the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has requested the publications and broadcasters against the use ofstills/images/scenes depicting rash, negligent or dangerous driving in print and electronic media.

In the unlikely event that depiction of such situation becomes unavoidable in a certain context, these should invariably be accompanied by appropriate messages such as"over speeding kills", "driving two-wheeler without wearing helmet is dangerous and illegal", and/or "driving fourwheeler without wearing seat belt is dangerous."

"Now, therefore, all TV channels/Doordarshan/print media are advised to be extremely careful in portraying such stills/images/scenes which depict rash, negligent or dangerous driving; and in case, such portrayal is necessary, then it may be accompanied by appropriate messages/warnings," said the MIB advisory.