New Delhi: The government has reiterated that advertisements aired on private satellite television channels must strictly comply with the prescribed Advertising Code and should not contain claims suggesting miraculous or supernatural properties of products.
Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday that all advertisements broadcast on private satellite TV channels are required to adhere to the Advertising Code laid down under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 and the rules framed under it.
The minister explained that Rule 7(5) of the Advertising Code clearly states that no advertisement should include references that could lead the public to believe that a product or any of its ingredients possesses special, miraculous or supernatural qualities that cannot be scientifically proven.
He further stated that authorities take appropriate action whenever contravention of the Advertising Code are detected on private television channels. The ministry also issues periodic advisories to broadcasters to ensure that advertisements remain compliant with the regulations.
Murugan also highlighted the role of the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), which was established under Section 10 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. The authority is responsible for addressing violations of consumer rights, monitoring unfair trade practices and taking action against misleading or false advertisements to safeguard consumer interests.
The government emphasized that the existing regulatory framework is designed to ensure responsible advertising while protecting consumers from deceptive marketing claims.
