New Delhi: The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) has issued notices to the I&B Ministry and the police chiefs of Delhi and Mumbai over complaints that actors Salman Khan and Shilpa Shetty allegedly used derogatory words against the Scheduled Castes in a TV show.

The complainant has alleged that the derogatory words were used by the actors during a promotional event which was telecast on a private channel.

In the letter issued on December 20, the commission sought the action taken report under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 2015 within a week of the receipt of the notice.

"The report should have details of action taken under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Prevention of Atrocities Act 2015 and the Rules 2016 thereof," the letter issued by NCSC director Kausahl Kumar reads.

The letter reads the NCSC received a complaint from ex- chairman of the Delhi Commission for Safai Karamcharis Harnam Singh alleging the actors used the derogatory language against the scheduled castes "insulting" the entire Valmiki community.

The commission said that in the event of non-receipt of replies from the police commissioners and the ministry, it may issue summons for personal appearance.

"The commission may exercise the powers of Civil court conferred on it under Article 338 of the Constitution of India and issue summons for your appearance in persons or by a representative before the Commission," the letter said.  PTI