Order to shift Bigg Boss time aimed at protecting children: I&B Ministry

Viacom 18 Private Limited,which broadcasts the show,had filed the petition,challenging the I&B order asking them to shift the reality show from the 9 pm slot.

Counsels for Viacom,Ameet Naik of Naik,Paranjpe and Company,said that they would file a rejoinder affidavit before the next date of hearing on December 8.

The I&B affidavit,filed by DC Pathek,under secretary (broadcasting content),I&B,states that immediate and urgent action was warranted in the given circumstances to protect children from the harmful effects of the contents of the programme and no need was therefore felt to issue a showcause notice to the channel to present their case.

The ministry has said that they issued the order in “public interest and in particular,the interest of children at large…Participants in the said programme are often shown quarrelling and using abusive language with ugly gestures leaving a bad impact on children at large¿ thereby disturbing and spoiling their minds.”

The said programme being telecast during the said hours,before the children go to bed,are proving detrimental to them,their welfare and their development in all aspects,says the affidavit.

The ministry has said if Big Boss continues to be aired on prime time,it would cause irreparable damage to the nation as children are the future of the nation.

It added that in they had issued letters of advisory on June 3,2009 and December 18,2009 against Season 2 and Season 3 respectively of Bigg Boss,for violating the Programme Code.