During the last three years and current year, 1246 complaints relating to violation of Advertising Code including misleading advertisements were received and these complaints have been suitably addressed as per the three-tier grievance redressal mechanism. This has been stated by Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnaw in an answer to a question asked by MP (Rajya Sabha) Sanjeev Arora in the ongoing Winter Session of Rajya Sabha.
Arora had asked questions about measures to prevent advertisements promoting superstitious products. In a statement here on Thursday, Arora said in reply to his question, the Minister further mentioned that all advertisements telecast on private TV channels are required to adhere to the Advertising Code prescribed under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 and the rules framed thereunder.
The Minister further replied that the Government issues advisories from time to time to private TV channels for adherence to the Advertising Code. During the last three year and current year, 6 Advisories have been issued for adherence to the Advertising Code. Appropriate action is taken wherever violation of the Advertising code is found by issuance of Advisories, Warnings, Apology Scroll Orders and Off-air orders etc.
Further, the Minister mentioned in his reply that Advertisements in Print Media are governed by 'Norms of Journalistic Conduct' issued by the Press Council of India under the Press Council Act, 1978. The Minister further mentioned that the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) under Ministry of Consumer Affairs has issued “Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements and Endorsements for Misleading Advertisements, 2022 which, interalia, prescribe conditions to be adhered to in respect of advertising including duties of manufacturer, service provider, advertiser and advertising agency.”
Arora had asked about the number of advertisements promoting superstitious products or services that were identified, investigated, and penalized in the last three years. He had also asked about the measures in place to prevent advertising of products or services that exploit people’s superstitions or claim unproven benefits through occult practices. Further, he had asked whether the government plans to increase public awareness about misleading advertisements and take steps to educate citizens on identifying such practices.
Meanwhile, Arora said, "Advertisements promoting superstitious products in the media prey on fear and blind belief, often offering false hope instead of real solutions. Such practices not only exploit the vulnerable but also hinder societal progress by reinforcing myths over facts.
As responsible individuals, we must question, verify, and reject baseless claims, fostering a culture of awareness and scientific reasoning. Let us choose knowledge over ignorance and ensure that the media becomes a platform for truth, not a marketplace for deceit."