Imposing a ban on telecasting of condom Ads by Information & Broadcasting Ministry (I&B) in the night time is a welcome step of the Ministry since such ads in fashion what they appear often violate our social values and have an adverse impact of growing children especially teenagers-said the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT).
Complimenting I&B Minister Smt Smriti Irani for such a proactive step, the CAIT advocated for a policy which is needed as to what kind of sexual education and to what extent and to which age group such kind of Advertisement is required and its modalities as well. Condom Ads presently are being shown in a vulgar manner which can’t be accepted by civil society. The CAIT has also called upon the Ministry to formulate specific guidelines for Brand Ambassadors for endorsing products.Even Brand Ambassadors should also be made accountable and responsible for such Ads which they endorse.The Confederation of All India Traders has objected telecast of such Advertisements in September 2016 and made a complaint to Ministry regarding condom ad of Sunny Leone”, said Praveen Khandelwal, Secretary General, Confederation of All India Traders.
The Government has imposed restrictions on Monday on advertising condoms on television, saying ads would only be allowed late at night as they could be inappropriate viewing for children. The Ministry of I&B said condom advertisements will now be allowed only between 10 pm and 6 am to avoid exposing children to such material and to comply with government rules.
In an advisory, the ministry told all television channels, “not to telecast the advertisements of condoms, which are for a particular age group and could be indecent/inappropriate for viewing by children”.
The government said its decision was based on rules stating that no advertisements which “endanger the safety of children or create in them any interest in unhealthy practices” should be allowed. It also cited regulations that prohibit “indecent, vulgar, suggestive, repulsive or offensive themes”.
