Govt banishes 'vulgar' shows to after-11 slot

If you are a fan of Bigg Boss 4 and Rakhi Ka Insaaf, you'll have to stay up longer to catch them on TV. Cracking down on vulgar language and objectionable scenes in these reality shows, the information and broadcasting ministry has pushed them into the 11 pm-5 am slot. Nandini R Iyer reports.

If you are a fan of Bigg Boss 4 and Rakhi Ka Insaaf, you'll have to stay up longer to catch them on TV. Cracking down on vulgar language and objectionable scenes in these reality shows, the information and broadcasting ministry has pushed them into the 11 pm-5 am slot.

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Even re-runs are barred outside this time frame. And the channels airing them have been told to run a scroll saying these programmes are not suitable for children.

Hindustan Times was first to report on Tuesday that the government was likely to take harsh measures to curb on-air vulgarity and abuse.

Apart from Colors (Bigg Boss) and Imagine TV (Rakhi…), Telugu channel SS Music has been taken off air for seven days, for showing visuals that denigrate women.

In addition, news channels have been barred from airing clips from these shows, even as part of bulletins on vulgarity, from 5 am to 11 pm.

Responding to complaints from the public, an inter-ministerial committee reviewed the three channels and found both Bigg Boss 4 and Rakhi Ka Insaaf unsuitable for unrestricted public viewing.

The ministry's order points out that show hostess Rakhi Sawant uses abusive language and participants in both shows "are shown quarrelling and hurling abuse at each other".