As part of a new recommendation floated by Trai, headed by chairperson Nripendra Misra, religious and political organisations are directed to be barred from holding TV channels, a move Trai said targeted to ensure that the medium is put to its ideal use, i.e. of advancing public interest and greater realisation of the common man’s right to be informed fully and fairly.

Upon passage of the bill, the Indian television will terminate 35 religious channels and five other channels that are affiliated to political parties, including the Congress, the CPM, DMK and AIADMK, over the next three to four years.

However, the proposed restriction is not applicable for an individual who’s a member of a political or religious body. 

Additionally, Trai has also proposed for stricter code for religious content in the proposed Broadcast Regulatory Bill.