DELHI HIGH COURT DISMISSED TV TODAY NETWORK'S PETITION AGAINST ORDERS TO RUN APOLOGY SCROLL FOR BROADCASTING ADVERTISEMENTS PROMOTING LIQUOR BRAND NAMES

The Delhi High Court in the case TV Today Network Limited v. Union of India and Anr observed and has refused to interfere with orders passed by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, whereby TV Today Network, operator, or owner of India Today and Aaj Tak, was directed to run an apology scroll for broadcasting advertisements which are promoting brand names associated with the alcohol produces.

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The bench of Justice Subramonium Prasad in the case observed while dismissing the plea moved by Network, wherein the court observed that Rule 7(2)(viii) of the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994 (and its proviso) permit the advertisement of a product that may bear a name also used in connection with prohibited articles.

The court stated that such advertisement is subject to conditions, which were contravened in the instant case.

The court observed that the Network broadcasted two advertisements. Thus, one pertains to ‘100 Pipers Music CDs’ and the other to ‘ll Seasons Club Soda’.

The letter has been issued by the Respondent No. 1 to the Network stating that the advertisements broadcasted by it promoted brand names associated with alcohol produces.