Amritsar: Peeved over presentation of Sikh characters in bad light in television serials, the SGPC today (Jun 6, 2004) wrote to chiefs of various channels saying the scripts concerning the Sikh history must be shown to it before airing of the programme.

"Scant attention is given to dress and make up. Generally Sikh characters are being presented as caricatures and laughing stock denigrating the Sikh community," SGPC Honorary Secretary Manjit Singh Calcutta said in a statement.

"The SGPC had written to managements of various TV channels saying in case of any TV serial on any theme related to Sikh history, the script must first be shown to the statutory body of Sikhs", Calcutta said.

"In case of a TV serial on any theme related to Sikh history, only Sikh actors should be selected to present a Sikh character. No non-Sikh actor with wig and artificial beard should be allowed to perform such roles in any case. "Proper attention should be paid to the Sikh code of conduct and conventions, traditions and customs," Calcutta said.

He said this followed a series of complaints from members of the Sikh community.