The News Broadcasting and Digital Standards Authority (NBDSA) has directed Aaj Tak to edit or suitably modify portions of a programme hosted by journalist Sudhir Chaudhary, which discussed claims that the Taj Mahal was originally a Hindu temple.The decision follows concerns that the broadcast did not adhere to required standards of neutrality and impartiality.According to reports, the authority observed inconsistencies in how historical references were used in the programme.

It noted that while the broadcaster had relied on official Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) reports when covering similar historical debates such as those around the Qutub Minar, it did not present comparable official documentation when discussing the Taj Mahal issue.

The programme, aired as part of the ‘Black and White’ series on November 29, 2024, had earlier been reviewed by the NBDSA, which initially found no breach of its code of conduct.However, this finding was later challenged, leading to a fresh review.In its revised order issued by Chairperson Justice A.K.

Sikri, the authority concluded that the segment in question failed to maintain balance in presentation, particularly in its treatment of disputed historical claims.

TV Today Network Limited, which owns Aaj Tak, defended the broadcast by stating that it was a documentary-style presentation compiling multiple claims from books, reports, and third-party sources.However, the NBDSA clarified that presenting historical claims must still comply with standards of fairness and contextual completeness.

The authority limited its intervention specifically to the Taj Mahal segment and did not reopen other aspects of the complaint, including allegations related to communal framing or omission of legal context such as the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991.The ruling underscores ongoing scrutiny of media broadcasts dealing with sensitive historical and communal narratives in India.