NBDSA Criticizes Lack of Neutrality in Aaj Tak’s Taj Mahal Broadcast
The News Broadcasting & Digital Standards Authority (NBDSA) has raised concerns over a broadcast by Aaj Tak, hosted by journalist Sudhir Chaudhary, which aired claims that the Taj Mahal was originally a Hindu temple. In a decision dated May 28, NBDSA Chairperson Justice AK Sikri instructed Aaj Tak to modify the broadcast to either remove or appropriately alter the sections discussing the Taj Mahal.
The NBDSA’s directive came after it determined that the broadcast did not comply with the standards of impartiality as outlined in the NBDSA’s Code of Conduct. The authority noted that the program selectively referenced official records. For instance, while it cited the Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) report regarding the Qutub Minar, it failed to do so when discussing the Taj Mahal. This selective reporting led to the broadcast not meeting the necessary standards of neutrality and impartiality, according to the NBDSA.
Background of the Case
The issue originated from a review application submitted by advocate Indrajeet Ghorpade. He requested a reassessment of an earlier NBDSA order from December 2025, which found no violations. The application concerned a November 29, 2024 episode of “Black and White,” which explored historical claims about religious sites, including the Taj Mahal. Ghorpade argued that the program promoted a biased narrative suggesting Muslim rulers destroyed Hindu temples and amplified the debunked claim that the Taj Mahal was originally a Hindu temple, despite the ASI’s rejection of such claims.
TV Today Network Ltd., the corporate owners of Aaj Tak, defended the broadcast as a documentary-style presentation, compiling claims from various sources. The network stated that anchor Sudhir Chaudhary clarified that the program did not advocate for the demolition of any religious structure or intend to incite communal tensions. Instead, it aimed to explore historical narratives in the public domain.
NBDSA’s Initial and Revised Orders
In its initial order from December 23, 2025, the NBDSA accepted this explanation, noting that the broadcast was framed as a historical account and that the anchor relied on published materials, including ASI reports, to support the narrative. The NBDSA concluded that there was no violation of its Code of Conduct and closed the complaint.
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However, upon review, the NBDSA distinguished between presenting historical claims and doing so in a manner that adheres to neutrality and accuracy standards. The authority found that while the broadcaster claimed to use official sources, this reliance was inconsistent, particularly regarding the Taj Mahal. The NBDSA emphasized that neutrality involves more than merely providing equal space to all views; it requires presenting counterviews, especially those backed by official records.
The NBDSA directed the broadcaster to edit the program concerning the Taj Mahal. The authority limited its intervention to this segment and noted that the omission of established official findings, despite using similar sources in other parts of the broadcast, undermined impartiality. The NBDSA declined to revisit other allegations related to the program’s communal tone or the omission of legal contexts like the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991.
The complaint was concluded with observations, without imposing any monetary penalty or additional directives.
