NDTV Imagine has got the notice from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) to stop the telecast of the show ‘Pati Patni Aur Woh’. The show is being criticized for showing celebrity couples taking care of strangers’ babies.

 

However, the channel has made clear that it will not stop the show from going on air unless it gets the notice from government. Shailja Kejriwal, executive vice president (content) of NDTV Imagine says, "There is no way we will stop the telecast of this show. We have not received any notice from the information and broadcasting ministry to do so."

 

A ministry official on the other side confirms that no such notice has been send to the channel. The official said, "No, we haven't sent any notice to NDTV Imagine."

 

"Pati Patni Aur Woh" is based on international reality show "Baby Borrowers". It is about the celebrity couples taking care of the infants. The show went on air from Sep 28.

 

The NCPCR has accused the show as "exploiting children". But channel officials have not responded to the notice because of the Oct 2-4 weekend.

 

NDTV's Kejriwal said, "We will discuss further plans Monday. We still have to figure out whether NCPCR has the authority to ask a channel to stop airing a show. If not, then who has it? Because we have not received any notice from the information and broadcasting ministry or the ministry of women and child welfare."

 

Kejriwal is upset about NCPCR going to the media without seeking any clarification from the channel. She says, "The format of this show has ... worked all over the world. NCPCR has never bothered to speak to the parents who have given their kids for the show or to us - we would have shown them how the show works”.

 

She adds, "The parents who have allowed their kids to come on the show are all young professionals with a mind of their own. Besides, they sit just a house away. This show is a social experiment. There is no winner or loser - it's just about seeing how celebrity couples have a feel of life."

 

She assures that there are trained nurses on the sets who are kept behind the camera. She stresses that NCPCR should have come and seen the truth behind the making of the show before sending such a notice. Besides, she asserts that they are careful that nothing goes wrong while doing such a show.