Social media abuzz with critical views on some channels going overboard on NY revellers

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: For the second year running, social media was abuzz with reports and reactions claiming that some Kannada news channels had recorded videos of revellers, especially women, stepping out of pubs allegedly inebriated during New Year celebrations early on Wednesday. A large number of city youngsters came together on MG Road, Brigade Road and Church Street to add to the colourful streetlight aesthetic to make it a memorable year.

However, according to social media buzz, some news media channels persisted to record footage of women coming out allegedly in an inebriated state while taking a critical view of their behaviour. It was the same case last year, too. There were complaints then too that some channels had recording New Year revellers and sensationalised their behaviour which had also triggered complaints of moral policing and also flak and backlash from social media users.

Although cops reportedly say they are helpless, advocates say that a case under section 79 of the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhitha can be filed. Section 79 prescribes action for those intending to insult their modesty by making sounds or gestures or intrude on their privacy.