The Supreme Court of India issued a series of directives to combat deceptive advertising. Advertisers must now submit self-declarations on dedicated portals for TV and print media, ensuring truthful product claims. Social media influencers are also held accountable for promoting products they lack knowledge about. Additionally, the court strengthened existing regulations regarding misleading advertisements for drugs and cosmetics. These measures aim to protect consumers and promote a more ethical advertising environment.
Highlights:
- Mandatory self-declarations for advertisers (TV & Print)
- Increased accountability for social media influencers
- Strengthened regulations on misleading drug & cosmetic ads
- Improved transparency and consumer protection
SC Issues Commands Against Deceptive Ads
Advertisers seeking to run ads on TV channels must submit their self-declarations on the I&B ministry’s ‘Broadcast Seva’ portal. A bench of justices ordered the ministry to create a similar portal for print advertisers within four weeks.
Mandatory Self-Declarations for Advertisers:
On May 7th, the judiciary issued a landmark order requiring advertisers to submit self-declarations. These declarations ensure transparency by stating that the advertised products are not misrepresented or have false claims before being promoted in any media.
Complying with Regulations:
The court further directed that these self-declarations must comply with the Cable TV Network Regulation Rules of 1994.This ensures consistency and adherence to existing regulations governing advertising practices.
Protecting Consumer Rights:
The order’s central purpose is to protect consumers from being misled by deceptive advertisements. As the bench aptly stated, “The consumer is king.” This translates to requiring accountability from advertising agencies if consumers complain about misleading ads. The court emphasized the importance of a consumer-centric approach, ensuring consumers have a clear remedy and are informed about the outcome of their complaints.
Self-Declarations for TV and Print Ads:
The court mandated a new system for verifying product claims in advertisements. Advertisers seeking to run ads on TV channels must now submit self-declarations on the I&B Ministry’s “Broadcast Seva” portal. These declarations confirm that the advertised products are not misrepresented or have false claims.
Recognizing the need for similar regulations in print media, the court directed the Ministry to launch a dedicated portal for print advertisers within four weeks.
Filing Requirements and Timeline:
Once these portals are operational, advertisers will be required to file their self-declaration forms before publishing advertisements in the press media or broadcasting them on TV channels.
Influencers Held Accountable for Endorsements:
The court went beyond traditional advertising, focusing on social media influencers and celebrity endorsements. The bench emphasized that social media influencers, celebrities, and public figures promoting products must act responsibly. This means having adequate involvement with and knowledge about the product before endorsing it.
Strengthening Regulations on Misleading Ads:
To address a loophole in the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, the Supreme Court took decisive action. The Union government had previously issued a letter dated August 29, 2023, from the AYUSH ministry. This letter effectively rendered inoperable Rule 170 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945.
Rule 170 is a crucial regulation that outlines the actions to be taken against misleading advertisements for drugs and cosmetics. The SC recognized the conflict between the letter and established regulations and revoked it with immediate effect.
Transparency in Complaint Data:
The court further emphasized transparency by ordering the Ministry of Health to provide data on the number of complaints received by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) concerning misrepresented advertisements and misbranding of food and health products.
Context:
The court’s order came during the hearing of a case against Patanjali’s misleading advertisement. This highlights the growing concern about deceptive practices in the advertising of drugs and cosmetics, prompting the SC to take action and strengthen existing regulations.
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj: A Beacon of Spiritual Awakening in a Materialistic World
In a world entangled in the pursuit of material wealth and fleeting pleasures, the essence of spirituality often remains obscured, leaving humanity adrift in a sea of ignorance and deception. Recent directives by the Supreme Court of India to combat deceptive advertising highlight the urgent need for a moral compass rooted in true spiritual knowledge.
Amidst this chaos, Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj emerges as a harbinger of true spiritual enlightenment, offering a sanctuary of wisdom and righteousness amidst the clamor of materialism. His teachings, epitomized in the profound book of “Gyan Ganga,” redefine our understanding of spirituality and its intrinsic value in fostering a harmonious society.
In a world where social media influencers wield immense power, often using it to promote products without regard for their ethical implications, Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj’s teachings serve as a beacon of integrity and moral rectitude. He emphasizes the importance of aligning our actions with righteous principles, reminding us of the karmic consequences inherent in every deed.
Through “Gyan Ganga,” Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj illuminates the path to inner transformation and spiritual awakening. His timeless wisdom transcends the superficial trappings of materialism, guiding humanity towards a higher purpose and a deeper understanding of the self.
In essence, Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj’s teachings are not merely words on a page but a transformative force that has the power to uplift humanity and create a world free from the shackles of ignorance and vice. Let us heed the call of true spiritual enlightenment and embark on a journey of self-discovery guided by the radiant wisdom of Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj.
