The Supreme Court has extended the interim stay on Karnataka high court's order that restrained the Kannada news channel Power TV's broadcast, media portals have reported.

Last week, the Supreme Court stayed an order passed by the Karnataka HC restraining broadcast of Power TV over allegations that the news channel had violated the Cable TV Networks Regulation Act. Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud said during that hearing the "state is duty bound to protect freedom of speech and expression".

The top court has also asked the central government information regarding the number of channels that have been shut down in the last 3 years on account of licences not being renewed.

Additional Solicitor General Vikramjit Banerjee informed CJI D Y Chandrachud and other justices that the information sought shall be furnished but added that the petitioners in the Power TV case have not turned up to explain the alleged lapses.