New Delhi, December 12: Information and Broadcasting Ministry (I&B) has issued an advisory directing TV channels not to air condom ads between 6 am and 10 pm. The decision has been taken following complaints about channels telecasting such ads repeatedly, which were unsuitable for viewing, keeping children in mind.
The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) approached the I&B Ministry, as contraceptive brands allegedly used explicit content to promote their products. The ASCI has received letters from consumers who have complained that the content of the advertisements of condoms was meant for adults and should not be aired during primetime.
“The letters that we received from consumers complained that the content of the advertisements of condoms was meant for adults and should not be aired during prime time. But slotting ads is not our mandate, so we have asked the government for instruction,” said Shweta Purandare, the secretary general of ASCI.
Earlier, the Confederation of All India Traders, too, had complained to the I&B seeking action against the brand after its Navratri-themed condom ad featuring Bollywood actor Sunny Leone created a furore in Gujarat.