MUMBAI: It is a season of penalties against television channels -- in India and the neighbouring country. Pakistan last week suspended the licences of two TV channels for allegedly levelling baseless allegations against the judge of its Supreme Court.

Pakistan Electronic Media and Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) last Saturday took the action against Din News and Neo TV, and fined them PKR 1 million each. Similarly, Such TV was fined Rs 1 million for airing inappropriate comments of a caller against a judge during a live program, Pakistani newspapers reported.

PEMRA suspended the licenses of Din News for 30 days and Neo TV for seven days. In a statement, it said the suspension will come into effect from the first of the next month. The channels will also telecast an apology after resumption.

The three channels were issued notices on 19 November for airing irresponsible analysis and were asked to submit a reply on 26 November, 2016. Channel representatives failed to defend themselves.