Kochi: The High Court rejected the petition seeking removal of the ban on Media One channel. The High Court observed that the informations cited in the report was serious. The petition was filed by Madhyamam Broadcasting Limited. With the rejection of the petition, the ban on Media One channel will come into effect.

The petition contended that the action to place a ban was taken by the Central authorities without hearing their side. However, the authorities informed the court that the transmission was blocked due to national security concerns. The documents related to the denial of security clearance to the channel were handed over in a sealed envelope by the Central Government.

In addition, the Central Government opposed the joining of the employees of the channel and the Kerala Journalists' Union in the case. The government opined that the employees cannot take part in a case between the Ministry of Communications and the institution. The central government has made it clear that the guidelines for security clearances are reviewed from time to time and decisions can only be taken accordingly.