Centre, Nimbus, Neo Sports noticed for racist ad

Bangalore, Feb 19: The Karnataka High Court today directed issuance of emergency notices to the Centre, Nimbus Communications Ltd and Neo Sports Channel on a public interest litigation, seeking for a direction for measures to restrain airing an advertisement, beamed during the Indo-West Indies cricket matches in January, terming it as ''racist''.

Chief Justice Cyriac Joseph and Mr Justice B S Patil issued the notices on a PIL, filed by Mr Mallikarjuna Maadal of Davanagere district and four others.

The petitioners contended that the advertisement, with the sub-title 'It is tough being a West Indian in India', was racist and brought disrespect to Indian hospitality and culture. It would adversely affect the development of tourism in the country, they submitted.

UNI