I&B ministry issues show-cause notice to Colors channel

Information and broadcasting ministry today issued a show-cause notice to Colors channel for its serial Rishton Se Badi Pratha, saying that it depicted  "excessive violence" and "cruelty".

The programme which is aired on prime time, is "against good taste" and potrays "excessive violence and cruelty", the ministry said in the notice.

"The explicit scenes of torture being inflicted on a female character is barbaric and appears to denigrate women," it said.

The notice went on to say that the programme contains "disturbing visuals and scenes of eccentric and abnormal violence which does not apear to be suitable for children".

Ministry sources said that the channel has been advised not to carry content on the show which constitute violation of the programme code as enshrined in the cable network act.

The channel has been asked to answer within seven days from receipt of the notice as to why action should not be taken against it as per section 20 of the Cable Act.

Rishton Se Badi Pratha is a serial about the problems being faced by a couple who decide to marry against the wishes of their family.

The channel was in trouble earlier when the ministry issued an order last month asking it to shift its popular programme Bigg Boss from the prime 9pm slot to after 11pm, saying it was not fit to be watched by children.

The channel approached the Bombay high court and was given a stay as the court said it should have been issued a notice first.

Bigg Boss managed to get another stay at the second hearing and is still being aired at 9pm.