Daijiworld Media Network

New Delhi, Jan 25: Former editor-in-chief of Times Now and senior journalist Arnab Goswami, who is expected to launch his 'Republic' channel soon, has met a roadblock, with controversial BJP leader Subramanian Swamy raising objections to the channel's name.

Swamy has written to the ministry of information and broadcasting, stating that as per the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950, the name 'Republic' cannot be used for commercial and professional purposes.

In the letter addressed to the ministry, Swamy stated, "It has come to my notice that a new TV channel under the name style of: 'Republic' is in the process of being launched. The channel will be led by Arnab Goswami. The ministry of corporate affairs filings show that Goswami...has become a director in ARG Outliner Media Private Limited and SARG Media Holding Private Ltd on 19-11-2016. The channel is to go by the name of 'Republic'.

"It may be noticed that certain names and emblems have been prohibited from being used under the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950 for professional and commercial purposes," the letted stated, adding that as per the schedule accompanying the statute under item 6, there is an express prohibition from using the word 'Republic' would be contrary and a direct breach of the Act.

Swamy urged the ministry to look into the issue and determine if it was prohibited to issue a licence to a company of such name.