Ayodhya debates: Channels asked to exercise restraint

New Delhi: The News Broadcasting Standards Authority (NBSA) has advised all television channels to take "caution" while reporting on the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case and avoid "inflammatory debates" which are likely to create tension.

The NBSA, a self-regulating body for news channels, also advised channels that no footage of the demolition of the Babri Masjid is to be shown in any news item relating to the Ayodhya matter.

"No broadcast should be made in any speculative manner in respect of the present proceedings before the Supreme Court nor of the judgement, before it is pronounced; and of its likely consequence after that which may be sensational, inflammatory or provocative," the two-page advisory released on Wednesday said.

It urged news channels that no news concerning the present proceedings pending before the Supreme Court shall be broadcast unless the reporter or the editor has adequately ascertained the accuracy.