Our Marathi TV news channels have been doing a commendable job in educating the masses by offering details on every important happening in the society, be it waiving of entertainment tax on IPL, the recovery of loss from the concerned party bringing to halt the public transport system or the implication of the death penalty by the special court to the most dreaded terrorist.

After the IPL cricket controversy, the Marathi TV news channels took up a very valid issue about the railway motormen’s strike that brought the city to halt. Indeed, it was an important issue, as for two days, Mumbaikars had to suffer. There were many office goers who lost their man hours, students who were supposed to attend their exams either reached late or missed their exams. And , when a PIL was filed, even the court took a strong stand on the matter, whether to recover the loss from Motormen or Railways. The news channels highlighting this news made people aware of their rights, since the court has asked for an explanation from the government within stipulated time, whether to refund the two days amount to pass holders. If implemented, this would certainly educate our people to understand their rights as consumers.

We already have the existing law in force, where a political party is held responsible for any damage to public property during any strike or rally called by them and the amount of loss recovered. Now, with this new amendment, if implemented, it would certainly deter all those workers and their unions in essential services departments from calling such strikes and causing harassment to general public. Few years ago, not many people were aware of their rights, but the electronic media with their timely news and follow-up have made it possible.

Even before announcement of the death sentence to the most dreaded terrorist, not many were aware of the legal procedure even after pronouncement of death sentence by the judge. But, thanks again to our news channels for updating the people about the legal procedure to be followed till actual execution takes place. It was because of such disclosures to common man and even those illiterate people that each and every citizen came to know about the so called mercy petitions and about their pending period with the office of the president of India. The manner in which our news channels held the debates over this issue only enhanced the knowledge of the viewers and the interview with public prosecutor Ujwal Nikam did inspire many to fight injustice in the society. It only remided them of that famous dialogue from Bollywood films “Kanoon ke haath bahot lambe hote hai.”

by Ulhas Shirke © MMW