The High Court has directed the Centre to file counter affidavits in a PIL (Public Interest Litigation) that challenges the inaction of regulatory agencies in containing obscene content on the reality show Bigg Boss. The PIL was filed by Ketireddy Jagadeeswar Reddy and is directed against both the third and sixth seasons of the show.
Arguing on behalf of the petitioner, G Siva Prasad Reddy stated that the uncensored and unregulated content which is not suitable for underage children is being shown on the show, which is negatively impacting the young generation. He also stated that representations made to the Union government received no response and requested directions to regulate the content.
The High Court bench in charge of the case stated that it is the choice of viewers whether to watch the show or not, and it is also the choice of the participants to decide what to wear on the show. The bench stated that it is a personal choice and no one can decide what they should wear or watch. The bench also stated that if the petitioner does not like the show, he is free to stop watching it.
The counsel for Star India Pvt Ltd and Maa TV argued that there are alternative remedies available to the petitioner to address his grievances and that he should have used them instead of directly moving to court.
The High Court directed the respondents to file counter affidavits and set the next hearing date for six weeks later.