The Delhi High Court declined to issue directions to the Union Government and Doordarshan to establish a new 24-hour PAN India Doordarshan channel for the Sindhi community, stating that it falls within the purview of governmental responsibility.

Justice Sudhir Kumar Jain acknowledged that the Sindhi community, being a minority, has a legitimate right to preserve its heritage and culture. However, he pointed out that Doordarshan already broadcasts several programs catering to this community.

However, the court added that it expects Doordarshan to make every feasible effort and endeavor to establish a new channel specifically dedicated to the Sindhi community in the future, in accordance with relevant policies and guidelines.

The court disposed of a plea filed by Asha Chand in 2015, which sought a directive for the Union Government and Doordarshan to allocate a 24-hour PAN India channel specifically for the Sindhi community, recognizing them as a linguistic minority.

The petitioner argued that the proposed channel would play a crucial role in promoting Sindhi language and culture. Justice Jain noted that since independence, individuals belonging to the Sindhi community have migrated to different parts of the country, resulting in their scattered presence across various states as a linguistic minority.

The court took note of Doordarshan's response filed in 2019, wherein it stated that it has been regularly broadcasting programs in the Sindhi language on its DD Girnar, DD Rajasthan, and DD Sahyadri channels. These channels cover regions where the Sindhi population is predominantly concentrated.

Additionally, the court noted that Doordarshan is exploring the possibility of allocating a dedicated slot or window for Sindhi programs on one of its regional channels.

Counsel for Petitioner: Mr. Aaditya Gore, Advocate

Counsel for Respondents: Mr. Anil Soni, CGSC with Mr. Devvrat Yadav, Advocate for R- 1/UOI; Ms. Radhalakshmi R, Advocate for R-2

Title: ASHA CHAND v. UNION OF INDIA AND ANR.