KOCHI: The Division Bench of the High Court considered the appeal against the single bench verdict upholding the Central Government's order to bar the telecast of MediaOne Channel. Dushyant Dave, a senior advocate in the Supreme Court, appeared for MediaOne.

A security clearance is legally required when first applying for a license. Dave argued in the High Court that the central government's argument that security clearance was required every time was incorrect. The Centre has the right to suspend any program of the channel if it deals with issues affecting national security, public peace and relations with friendly countries. Instead, revoking the channel's license itself is not legal, the petition said. The appeal was filed by MediaOne Channel, employees and the Kerala Journalists' Union in the division bench.

Aman Lekhi, Additional Solicitor General, appearing for the Centre, sought time to produce certain documents in a sealed cover and to file a counter in the matter.