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Clarkson, one of the highest paid BBC presenters known for his controversial comments, presented the 'Top Gear' programme, which since its broadcast prompted several complaints and allegations of racism.
In its January 6 letter to the programme's producer, Chris Hale, and copied to Mark Thompson, director-general of BBC, the high commission said the BBC was "clearly in breach of the agreement that you had entered into, completely negating our constructive and proactive facilitation".
The letter added, "The programme was replete with cheap jibes, tasteless humour and lacked cultural sensitivity. This is not clearly what we expect of the BBC. I write this to convey our deep disappointment over the documentary for its content and the tone of the presentation".
In the programme, Clarkson allegedly made controversial comments about India's trains, toilets, clothing, food and history.
The BBC has confirmed receiving 23 complaints about the programme, and added that it would directly respond to the Indian high commission's letter.
Senior Labour MP Keith Vaz, who called for a BBC apology when the programme was broadcast over Christmas, told The Telegraph last night. "It seems that the reasons given by the BBC in order to obtain their visas to go to India did not disclose the true nature of the content of this programme."
"One ridiculous programme has done a lot of damage to this good relationship. A swift apology from the BBC and Mr Clarkson may go some way towards restoring our good relations and the reputation of the BBC in India," Vaz added.
Before leaving for India, Hale had informed the high commission in a letter dated 21 July that the trip was intended to be "light hearted... focusing on the journey and the inevitable idiosyncracies of the cars they will drive, as well as the country and the scenery we see along the way".
Clarkson was accompanied by two presenters, Richard Hammond and James May.
Hale's letter added, "There will be spontaneous interaction between the presenters and their environment, and potentially people they meet along the way. This will be in an incidental manner, not interviews. Key ingredients of what we film will be beautiful scenery, busy city scenes, local charm and colour within these locations, areas to illustrate the local car culture that exists in India."
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We have got so much used to living in a dirty environment. We need to accept this fact. Unless gov't take serious initiatives these issues will come again and again in international media. Nobody listens to requests we need strong law enforcement and extremely serious initiatives. We need to understand that we can't hide the truth. Gov'ts need to do something otherwise they need to keep their mouth shut rather than begging for apologies.
Western media does this kind of stuff to get their ratings up. India is a democratic country and that is why they got away with this reporting. I dare BBC to do the same in Middle East, North Korea and CHINA. Believe me, their butts will be kicked so hard! Challenge is on for BBC...... A piece of advice for Indians... Claen Up!!!!!!
On a different note, what's new in what they showed or said? We know all that already, don't we?
Did BBC concoct any story ? WHy do they have to apologise for whats really appalling in India ? How many Hindi movies have mocked at South Indians ? How many Hindi movies have mocked at deaf, dumb and impaired people ? Shame on Indian hypocracy.
BBC has done a great job for the Indian people by showing spot on the filth and corruption Indian people are subjected. The great Indian rulers , the corrupt rajas have to sit up and start working for the country. Why are facing NAXAL movement in one thirds of India? because of total neglect, corruption and slave treatment of people. Walk into the biggest bus terminus in Chennai - Koymbedu used by millions of Tamils, you will voimt. The stench, the huge pits with muddy waters where even the vehicles are afraid of going over is quite a scene from the poorest and corrupt third world country. What is the pride we have? Walk in the main streets on Chennai, you can see the sewer water over flowing in the roads, what pride we have? Come on we are slaves. No wonder our corrupt babus and Netas are protesting. Let us not waste time protesting.
I was born and lived in England all my life and have been to India many times (My parents are of Indian Origin and i am classed as a British Asian). While i can see signs of improvement, i do not see why there is such an uproar in India over what the top gear presenters said. I watched the program with my 2 Indian tenants who happen to be working here in England and i would ask them the same points that Jeremy Clarkson had raised. In my experience i do find India to be a dirty country, next time your in Sahar Airport check out the Toilets and you tell me if im wrong. Driving through Mumbai your senses are assaulted by the pungent smell of Human excrement as well as views of open waste grounds with people openly defecating. So get over it and raise your levels of hygiene, for a up and coming power this should be a source of embarrasssment for you. Get off your priveleged high horse and fix up!
I have to say that I've seen some Top Gear specials that were entertaining. I particularly liked the Vietnam one. It was a programme that was really focused on 3 british buffoons abroad, playing to the stereotype of clueless British tourists. This special was different though. It lacked real comic content, sticking to the lowest forms of toilet humour that seemed to target indian culture rather than the three buffoons themselves.
Our (India's) organisation heads are becoming silly whiners and acting too touchy. What wrong did he say and show in the programe. We indians are not clean and our cities stink as sew. Instead of posting complaints we should introspect ourself. Get hold of a broom and cleaning it then no one will have such an opinion. Good luck to growing young indian youth.
We deserve all the s--- they throw at us. Istead of rebutals, we should clean up our act. Three hundred million scheduled class are still facing discrimation in their own country.
Clarkson is known for his unique way of presentation. Please take it as a joke, leave it. What has happened to us!!!! Can we not tolerate words? He is a good guy. Governements should not stretch it unnecessarily.
i do not agree. Jeremy is absolutely spot on. if we Indians are not clean, we pee on the roadside, we litter streets, we throw panspit anywhere, dirty toilets if any. why should he apologise. we should thank him for pointing our shortcomings
I think the BBC guy was showing it as it really is. Indians are the most unhygienic people. They are worse than some African nations because they choose to be dirty even when they have the resources to be clean and hygienic and build toilets and proper plumbing. For once I have to agree with the bbc show. indians should get off their high horse and admit they are unclean people.
I think the BBC guy was showing it as it really is. Indians are the most unhygienic people. They are worse than some African nations because they choose to be dirty even when they have the resources to be clean and hygienic and build toilets and proper plumbing. For once I have to agree with the bbc show. indians should get off their high horse and admit they are unclean people.
My Friend, I agree with what you say but remember, we do not want others to say what is wrong in us. When we go to some ones place as guest, we are there to appreciate their goodness not their short falls. This mentality of indians will never accept some outsider commenting on us. So it is ourself to clean up the system, we do not require some one else to broadcast the whole world what is wrong with us. If he wants, he can also show what is good in us. But the cheap prpagandist people selectively broadcast what they want.
All these so called activties are done by british and other nations. We do not need some moron to tell us. Even, if you tell or point our, there is dignified way. BBC by its stature, should have been more discreet. Cheap comments, jokes, offensive statements are not BBC - may be Sky Broadcast, which is defunt now
BBC is at it again. How can they allow such morons to be their presenters.......... I have stopped seeing BBC long time back and my decision is proved again.
Who told BBC have reputation after the IRAQ? and their hyped presentation of Iraq possessing mass destrction material. No more integrity stars for BBC and nothing to lose, now they are just like a tabloid and nothing more