NEW DELHI: India has lifted a ban on satellite television channel AXN after it apologised for broadcasting programmes like the “World's Sexiest Advertisements” that were criticised by regulators for being in bad taste.

In the past decade, there has been a sharp rise in the number of satellite channels airing in India and viewers and politicians have complained that some of the content is too risque for Indian sensibilities and culture.

A government press release said late on Wednesday that AXN has also assured it has “put in place a more effective self-regulatory mechanism” to comply with Indian laws.

AXN was not immediately available for a comment.

The channel, owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment, a unit of Sony Corp., was banned on Jan. 17 for two months. It broadcasts across Asia, mostly imported U.S. dramas such as “Alias”, “Las Vegas” and “Nip/Tuck”, a soap opera about plastic surgeons.

India's government has said it was also probing complaints against Fashion TV (FTV) for showing adult content and was examining ways to restrict the channel.—Reuters