ACTION BY BCCC ON COMPLAINTS RECEIVED FROM 1 SEPTEMBER 2017 TO 31 DECEMBER 2019 S.NO Programme Channel Total Number Nature of Complaints Telecast date of Action By BCCC of Complaints the programme Received reviwed by BCCC A : SPECIFIC CONTENT RELATED COMPLAINTS A-1 : Specific Content related complaints Disposed 1 ‘Swarajyarakshak Zee Marathi 5 The complainants have alleged that the programme is based on the life of Nil BCCC viewed the episode and found that it pertains to the historical depiction of Sambhaji Sambhaji’ Sambhaji Raje, the son of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It is aired at 9 PM Rane’s rule. In keeping with its policy of non-intervention in mythological and historical and repeated the next day. The serial depicts Brahmins as villains and programmes, the Council decided against any intervention as there could be various traitors in a very intense and rabid manner even going to the extent of interpretations of history and historical texts. The complaint was DISPOSED OF. accusing Brahmin ministers of Shivaji Maharaj as his killers. The depiction is historically wrong and is creating hatred in the minds of non-Brahmins in the Maratha community. Facts that cannot be corroborated should not be shown in such programmes to influence a particular set of voters. 2 Koffee with Karan Star World 3 1. ‘Koffee with Karan’, Star World, 06/01/2019, 9 PM {English} 06-01-2019 Taking suo motu cognisance of the complaint, he Council had issued a NOTICE to the channel. In its reply, the channel SUMMARY: The complaints pertain to having open conversations about 08-09/12/18 said the programme is the country’s longest running talk show spanning over 15 years and features biggest names in Bollywood battling Karan’s razor-sharp wit and engaging in entertaining conversations with him. The casual, no frills, in- sex and allegedly misogynistic comments made by cricketers Hardik your-face interactions make for great viewing experience. The channel said that though there is an element of pre- Pandya and K.L. Rahul, which has been considered not to be in good defined structure to the show, the experiences are authentic and responses spontaneous. With reference to the taste. Considering that it was a pre-recorded show, the channel should particular episode, the channel said the statements made by the guest highlighted a uniquely progressive and modern have omitted sexist comments. A NOTICE was issued to the channel family dynamic which included a fresh take on the traditional relationship between parents and children. The under Theme-2, dealing with 'Sex Obscenity and Nudity'. Point-2 says, statements did not appear to have been made in a negative context and seemed to be the guest’s personal experience and the channel did not anticipate that the comments would be construed in a manner that would seem offensive to the “Present sex, nudity, kissing or offensive behaviour or language so as to viewers. The channel being sensitive to audience feedback, took cognizance of viewer responses and the episode was glorify, encourage, justify, induce or incite indecent or obscene behaviour.” taken off air and all repeats and international broadcasts were put on hold. The channel acknowledged that some Episode 08-09/12/18: In the promo, Karan Johar asked the guest whether statements made in the episode could have offended viewers’ sensibilities. The channel informed that after the first he has done it in the car or the khet. He did this more than once. Children airing on 06/01/18, the episode was pulled off air on 07/01/18 8 PM onwards, and taken off air from the channel’s OTT platform Hotstar on 10/01/18. The channel, on its own, aired a regret scroll twice, during every episode of ‘Koffee with watch this programme. This is a vulgar question to ask on primetime TV. Karan’ that aired between 11/01/18 aand 13//01/18. Please shift it to late-night slot. Even in the earlier episodes it was asked: The regret scroll reads: “Certain remarks made by the guests on ‘Koffee with Karan’ episode with Hardik Pandya and “Have you cheated?” Statements such as “I have fallen off the bed while K.L. Rahul appear to have offended the sensibilities of our viewers. We at Star World deeply regret the same. The Star doing it” have been used. Network is committed to upholding the dignity and respect of women.” After considering the channel’s reply, BCCC decided to caution it of breaching the thin line between decency and impropriety, despite the best interpersonal relationship and camaraderie that the host may share with celebrities. The Council also decided to record its reservation against this being a non-live programme where the channel could have edited/modified any content that it might have perceived to be objectionable. The Council decided to direct the channel to be more cautious and mindful of viewers’ sensibilities and retain the cultural differences of the TV viewing audiences in different parts of the world. BCCC felt the channel had realised its mistake and taken cognisance of the countrywide furore created by the episode with the guests making misogynistic remarks. The Council directed the channel not to air this episode ever again. The complaints were DISPOSED OF keeping in view the immediate steps taken by the channel on its own accord. Episode 08-09/12/18: The Council viewed the other episode, featuring Diljeet Dosanjh and Badshah, in which allegedly improper questions had been asked. The guests had been asked if they had made out in the field or in the car, and if they had made out with more than nine women/girls. BCCC decided to advise the channel that such questions are not only improper and outrageous but also reek of smuttiness to titillate the viewers. The channel must not tread into dangerous waters where any such incivility watched by millions can potentially endanger its reputation. The complaint was thus DISPOSED OF. Page 1 of 84 S.NO Programme Channel Total Number Nature of Complaints Telecast date of Action By BCCC of Complaints the programme Received reviwed by BCCC 3 Krishna Chali Star Plus 3 Krishna’s professor at her college in London tells her that India is full of 25-12-2018 BCCC viewed the episode. It found that the Indian professor, while reprimanding Krishna, the London corrupt people. He also says that while Britain has preserved its oldest and female protagonist, says the Indian education system is bad and anybody can top from that greatest universities, Indian universities like Nalanda and Takshila were country. He says Indian education system encourages bookworms and muggers. He then shut down by the India government. This is objectionable. Both these shows her the college building in England and tells her that it is 400 to 700 years old. The universities were destroyed by Bakhtiyar Khilji in 1193. This is wrong and Indian professor then says, “Your country also had Nalanda and Takshila, but where are the disappointing content. universities now? They have gone because Indians do not respect the education system. Have you heard of anyone who is born in London and goes to India for higher education?” He seems to despise the Indian system. The Council did not find the complaint maintainable as it was not meant to be a disparaging remark against the Indian universities but a generic remark coming from an academician who must have been a victim of the system. BCCC decided against any intervention. The complaint was DISPOSED OF. 4 Radhakrishna Star Bharat 1 The serial hurts Hindu sentiments as it is departure from the granths and 01-10-2018 BCCC viewed the episode and found that the channel’s disclaimer clearly says that the story is puranas. The younger generation will be negatively impacted. based on folklore and popular mythological literature based on Shri Krishna’s life. Creative freedom has been taken to depict it better. The programme is only for entertainment and the intent is not to hurt the feelings of any community, religion, institution or any person. The channel does not endorse or support any subject matter that can hurt the feelings of anyone. In the very first episode, Lord Krishna’s disciple is depicted to be very antagonistic towards Radha and tries to run her down as he believes that Bhakti is any day greater than Love. The Council in keeping with its stated position decided against any intervention in the mythological and historical genre as it believes that there could be various interpretations of history. The complaint was DISPOSED OF. 5 Mein Mayeke Sony 1 A court scene was shown to deal with the divorce case of Samar and Jaya. 25-12-2018 BCCC viewed the episode and found that the family court judge is shown knitting sweaters Chali Jaungi During the proceedings, the judge is shown knitting a sweater. This while talking to the couple who have come to seek divorce. When the girl’s mother tries to say maligns the judiciary’s image. The channel should apologize. something, she says her record is to stop breaking of relationships whereas your record is that of a divorce lawyer. She then asks the man to stand up so as to measure the knitted sweater as her son is of the same age. She then tells the couple that both of them need to stay together for six months and then she would decide if divorce has to be granted. She also tells the lawyer that if you ever knit a sweater than your attitude will be to spin the thread whereas as a divorce lawyer you have this propensity of taking out threads.