Proposed Broadcasting Bill Threatens Free Speech, Alleges Congress

The Congress Party has raised serious concerns about the proposed Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, claiming it endangers freedom of speech and media independence. Pawan Khera, head of Congress' media and publicity, urged the public to oppose the bill, which he says imposes heavy regulations on independent content creators and paves the way for increased surveillance.

The Congress on Friday alleged that the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill was a direct threat to freedom of speech and the independent media and claimed that it would pave the way for ''excessive surveillance'' online.

The Congress' media and publicity department head Pawan Khera urged people to raise their voice against what he termed as ''government's tyranny''.

While several people on social media have also been voicing their concern about certain reported provisions in the proposed law, the government has said the bill was still in the drafting stage and the stakeholders' consultation was underway.

(With inputs from agencies.)