NDTV Channel shows slate with documentaries name for an hour when it would have gone out instead of screening alternative show
An Indian TV channel which was due to air a BBC documentary about the country's rape crisis halted programming today in protest at the banning of the film.
Instead of rescheduling another programme, the NDTV Channel ran a slate referring with the film's title, during the hour-long slot when it should have aired.
The film features the horrific story of murdered gang-rape victim Jyoti Singh, 23, who became known as "India's Daughter" - the title of the documentary.
Jyoti, a medical student, was raped and killed by a gang of men on a public bus in December 2012.
The documentary made by British filmmaker Leslee Udwin features an interview with Mukesh Singh, one of the men convicted of the appalling crime on a Delhi bus, and was outlawed by the Indian authorities on the grounds of "objectionable content" amid claims it was offensive to women.
However, supporters of the critically acclaimed documentary suggest it was because of the shadow it casts over India's ongoing problem with rapes.
There have also been candle-lit vigils by women in the country in the run up to the screening date after the ban was announced.
Explaining its decision not to broadcast an alternative show from 9pm to 10pm local time (3:30-4:30pm in the UK), NDTV editorial director Sonia Singh said in a tweet : "We won't shout, but we will be heard."
Other Twitter users praised the action. One comment read: "Kudos @ndtv for the #IndiasDaughter protest. A surprisingly mature decision in a mediascape (sic) that seems to deteriorate buy by the day."
Udwin rejects claims by Indian authorities the documentary contains offensive remarks towards women.
Mukesh Singh is facing the death penalty for his part in the atrocity, which sparked protests across India.
During the film, which aired on BBC4 in Britain on Wednesday night, he showed no remorse and blamed the woman for not behaving like a "decent girl".
The BBC's director of television, Danny Cohen defended the corporation's decision to show the film in the UK, despite a request from the Indian government that it shelve the broadcast.
"We do not feel the film as currently edited could ever be construed as derogatory to women or an affront to their dignity," he said.