The government on Wednesday lifted its ban on entertainment channel AXN, six weeks after it was penalised for showing “indecent” programmes.The ban was revoked only after the channel promised to abide by the strict regulations governing cable TV.

While everyone was busy watching the budget and analysing its implications, the I&B Ministry quietly issued a statement saying that “probhition on AXN Channel has been revoked from March 1.” The decision, the Ministry said, came after the channel tendered an apology for broadcasting the world’s sexiest ad, the reason why it was banned in the first place.

“The decision follows an apology by the AXN to the Minister of I&B for violation of programme code under the Cable Television Networks Regulation Act, 1995,” the Ministry statement noted.

The channel will not attempt to show similar programmes that offend “Indian sensibility” and expose Indian homes to adverse influences. They promised to impose self-regulation, henceforth.

“The government was assured that they have put in place a more effective self-regulatory mechanism to ensure that the programmes and the advertisements telecast on the channel are in compliance with the Cable TV Regulation Act,” the note added.