Big Relief For Rakul

In a major relief for actress Rakul Preet Singh in connection with drugs case, News Broadcasting Standards Authority (NBSA) has directed News Channels to tender apology to the actress for her maliging her image through "vilifying reports linking her to drugs and SSR case". Zee Group, India Today, Aaj Tak, Times Now, and ABP News are the channels who have been asked to air an apology.

In fact, three ZEE news channels have been given statement to air an apology on December 17. The statement reads, “We apologise for the manner in which the Hashtags/Taglines and Images were telecast, while reporting the ongoing investigation of Rhea Chakraborty's narcotic drugs case. The telecasts violated the Code of Ethics and Broadcasting Standards requiring broadcasters to maintain neutrality, impartiality, accuracy and fairness, the Specific Guidelines Covering Reportage and Specific Guidelines for Reporting Court Proceedings. We clarify that there was no intention on our part to sensationalise the issue or to prejudice the investigation in any manner. We reiterate our commitment to uphold every individuals right to fair trial and reputation, while reporting about matters under investigation.”

While other channels have been asked to remove the slanderous reports, images and videos from their respective websites and social media handles linking Rakul to drugs connection case. 

For the unversed, Rakul claimed to know actress Rhea Chakraborty but denied consuming drugs. However, with slanderous reports, she moved Delhi High Court seeking their intervention in stopping the channels airing from false reports.