BBC News Online: World: South Asia

India to censor fashion TV

A government-appointed committee expressed unanimous disapproval after watching clips of French Fashion Television (FTV).

Overseen by Information Minister Sushma Swaraj, the committee ruled that parts of the programming were "obscene and not at all suitable for India and our cultural ethos".

Supporters say the channel showcases the latest in global designer wear, but critics see the catwalk shows and model shoots as cheap voyeurism.

No ban - yet

The committee, however, stopped short of an expected ban on the channel, which is beamed to India from Singapore.

"The minister may take up the matter with the channel authorities and find a way so our concerns are addressed by removing the objectionable segments from the telecasts beamed to India," it said in a statement.

Mrs Swaraj is a known hardliner within the coalition government led by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

During a previous stint at the ministry, Mrs Swaraj banned the use of telephone sex chatlines.

Her campaign to ban FTV has angered sections of the Indian media.

A recent editorial denounced the country's censors as "Nipple Police".

Access denied

One victim of the campaign has been the channel's website, FTV.com, which has been categorised as pornographic and blocked in all government offices.

Hindu fundamentalist groups maintain constant pressure on the government to resist what they see was corrupt Western invasions of Indian culture.

Hardline activists went on the rampage on Valentine's Day, attacking shops selling cards and gifts as well as breaking up restaurant parties.