The Information & Broadcasting Ministry has imposed a week’s ban on Red FM for making derogatory comments about the Gurkhas following the choice of Prashant Tamang as the Indian Idol. The order would remain stayed till the Telecom Disputes Settlement & Appellate Tribunal (TDAST) hears a petition by the radio station on Thursday.

I&B Minister P R Dasmunsi said the ban decision would depend on the TDSAT view. The Ministry has received a notice from TDSAT to appear before it.

Red FM, in its reply to the ministry show cause notice said that it had already apologised to Tamang and the Gurkha community for the “inadvertent” remarks.

The station is believed to have assured that appropriate action “would be taken” against the RJ. The ministry notice had accused Red FM of violating the programme code of All India Radio, which private FM stations too have to follow as per licensing conditions.