Jay Leno case: India summons US envoy, protests to NBC

New Delhi: India has strongly objected to the remark on the Golden Temple by popular US television host Jay Leno, terming it quite unfortunate. India said that Leno's comments had offended Sikh sentiments.

Robert Blake, the US diplomat handling South Asia affairs, was also summoned by India.

Leno, the host of the popular 'The Tonight Show' on NBC channel, flashed a picture of the Golden Temple, the Sikh shrine on his programme and termed it as a possible summer home of Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney.

Jay Leno flashed a picture of the Golden Temple on his programme and termed it as a possible summer home of Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney.

The US government cited freedom of speech enshrined in the US Constitution, to defend Leno. NBC Channel is yet to reply.

American Sikhs have launched an online protest petition against Leno.

The Ministry of External Affairs took up the matter after Vyalar Ravi saw the show during his visit to the US.

The Overseas Indian Affairs Minister objected to the remark and said he has directed Indian Ambassador to the US Nirupama Rao to take up the matter with the State Department.

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