Govt issues notice to Star Plus over 'Sach Ka Saamna'

MUMBAI (Reuters) - The Indian version of "The Moment of Truth", an American reality TV show, is in danger of going off air after a government notice said the show's content was indecent.

"Sach Ka Saamna" (Face the Truth), was the subject of heated parliamentary debates this week, with some lawmakers demanding a ban on the show.

The Information and Broadcasting Ministry issued a show cause notice to Star Plus channel on Wednesday, asking it to explain why the show shouldn't be taken off air.

"It has been observed that the anchor of the programme seeks answers to questions regarding infidelity, incest and other taboo subjects that are not suitable for unrestricted public exhibition, especially keeping in view Indian culture and ethos," the notice sent to Star Plus said.

"Sach Ka Saamna" features participants who have to answer questions of a personal nature in front of a live audience and their friends and family to win a sum of 10 million rupees.

A polygraphic test indicates whether the answers are true or false. A false answer means an exit from the show.

The government notice said the questions caused "great embarrassment" not only to participants and their family members but also to viewers and were not suitable for unrestricted public viewing.

Star Plus channel has been given time until July 27 to respond to the notice.

A spokeswoman for the channel declined to comment on the issue.