TV channels asked to be sensitive while depicting acid attacks

The Broadcasting Content Complaint Council has asked TV channels, especially those airing crime shows, to be sensitive when dealing with content depicting acid attacks on women.
The Council, which is the self regulatory body of the TV industry, also wants channels to exercise discretion before airing content that can lead to stereotyping of minorities.
In an advisory issued to all channels, the BCCC has said that it had received several complaints relating to TV content depicting acid attacks, in most cases on women and girls.
The Council said acid attacks are among the most heinous of crimes with traumatic, irreversible physical and psychological consequences to the victim.

It said the Supreme Court had also taken cognisance of the growing number of acid attacks and directed states to frame stringent rules to regulate the sale of acid and other corrosive substances.
The Council said it was time broadcasters were also sensitised against showing acid attacks, the BCCC advisory signed by its chief Justice (retd) A P Shah said.

It said the issue needs immediate attention so that channels effectively mitigate the overwhelming implications of any such depiction.
The BCCC said this is even more pertinent for various crime-based programmes which often depict an acid attack case in detail through dramatised version of a real incident.

"The Council, therefore, advises all channels to be extremely sensitive to the excruciating physical and psychological agony of acid attack victims," it said.
The BCCC issued another advisory regarding portrayal of content about minorities in various TV programmes.
Due diligence should be adopted to ensure that an entire community is not projected as fanatic, intolerant or criminal, the BCCC has said.