The Association of Radio Operators for India, an industry body, has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ministry of Home Affairs voicing concern over denial of security clearance to Sun Group-owned Red FM.

“We have noted with concern the various reports in media and otherwise that the Home Ministry has refused security clearance to Red FM (part of Sun Group) which could result in closure of over 45 stations being operated in the country,” the industry body said.

The Ministry of Home Affairs had denied security clearance to 40 radio channels owned by Kalanithi Maran. The Sun TV network reaches about 95 million households.

The company has been facing trouble since it applied for licence renewals for its radio stations operated under the Suryan FM and Red FM brands.

The association said that radio is the only free-to-air media in India and it has come as a “surprise” that these stations face closure, due to a pending investigation against the major shareholder.

“It may be pertinent to point out that no conviction has yet been made and that denial of security clearance without a court conviction would create a dangerous precedent. We object to media being singled out as an exception as even politicians holding highly sensitive government positions do continue till proven guilty, even when there are serious charges against them,” it said.

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