All advertisements telecast on private satellite TV channels are required to adhere to the Advertising Code prescribed under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 and rules framed thereunder.
For print media the Press Council of India (PCI), a statutory body established under the Press Council Act, 1978, has issued norms relating to advertisements in its ‘Norms for Journalistic Conduct’. PCI has a complaint mechanism for redressing complaints.
A Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has been established under the provisions of Consumer Protection Act, 2019 w.e.f. 24.07.2020 which inter-alia looks into misleading advertisements either suo-moto or on complaints or on directions from the Central Government. CCPA has notified ‘Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements and Endorsements for Misleading Advertisements, 2022’ on 9th June, 2022.”
Earlier the minister replied in Unstarred Question No. 1844 answered on 22.12.2022 that “Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954 and Rules thereunder provides for prohibition of misleading advertisements and exaggerated claims of drugs and medicinal substances (including AYUSH medicines). The Central Government has notified Rule 170 in the Drugs & Cosmetics Rules, 1945 on 24th December, 2018 specifically for controlling inappropriate advertisements of Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani medicines. An institutional mechanism at the central and state levels have been set up for enforcement and taking action in case of violation.”
