NBDSA fines Zee News ₹25,000 for intrusive interview of grieving mother

The News Broadcasting and Digital Standards Authority (NBDSA) recently imposed a fine of ₹25,000 on Zee News for airing an intrusive interview of a grieving mother of an accused in a murder case.

NBDSA Chairperson, Justice AK Sikri held that Zee News had violated norms of decency and privacy, and directed the channel to remove the footage from all its platforms.

The May 19 order came on a complaint filed by advocate Indrajeet Ghorpade over a June 10, 2025 programme that showed a Zee News reporter questioning the mother of an accused in a murder case despite her visible distress and repeated requests to be left alone.

The NBDSA noted that the clip was not only aired on television but was also uploaded on digital platforms.

“In the impugned broadcast, the mother of the accused could be seen howling and crying. In such circumstances, NBDSA was of the view that, bearing in mind the sensitivities of the issue involved, no meaningful purpose had been served by interviewing the mother of the accused regarding the alleged crime committed by her son, especially when she was visibly distressed,” held the NBDSA.

After reviewing the footage and hearing both sides, the NBDSA found that the mother was in a state of grief and shock, and that continuing to question her amounted to insensitive reporting.

“The impugned broadcast was in clear violation of the principles of good taste and decency and also breached the guidelines concerning privacy, under which broadcasters are expected to exercise discretion and sensitivity when reporting on distressing situations,” it observed.

In its defence, Zee News argued that the segment was part of field reporting following a high-profile murder and that several media outlets were present at the scene. It also submitted that its reporter had eventually stepped away after recognising the emotional intensity of the situation.

However, the NBDSA was not convinced, noting that the decision to air and subsequently upload the footage reflected a conscious editorial choice.

It directed Zee News to delete the video from its website, YouTube and all other platforms, and to remove any hyperlinks providing access to it within seven days.

The channel was also asked to confirm compliance in writing.

The NBDSA further recommended institutional corrective measures to prevent similar lapses in future.

“The broadcaster should impart training to its field reporters/journalists, to ensure that such violations are not repeated in future broadcasts,” it said.

[Read Order]