Delhi HC backs Sun TV's plea to postpone phase III FM bids

In a major boost to Sun TV, the Delhi High Court ask the government to consider postponement of phase III FM auctions. Sun TV had been denied right to participation in these auctions.Siding with Sun TV, the Delhi HC has observed that the concept of security clearance is still vague, arbitrary and provides the government with room to misuse its power. It has also said the government needs to move towards transparency, mentioning that the law does not state that persons facing prosecution are barred from future participation.In case of a denial (auction), Red FM faces a shut down as its existing license is due to expire in September 2015. The government will reply on Wednesday on the proposed postponement for the auctions which are slated to begin on July 27.Meanwhile, pertaining to the original case of security clearances being denied by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Sun TV has argued that the alleged offences are economic in nature and have no impact on national security, proving that the economic offences which are cited by MHA do not fall under the ambit of disqualification clause.