This Monday came with a very controversial decision by the government of India. Television channels are asked to not to telecast advertisements selling and promoting condoms. The decision was taken by the government as these types of ads are “indecent especially for children” and can create “unhealthy practices” among them.
As per the report of the advisory from the ministry:
“It has been brought to the notice of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting that some channels carry advertisements of condoms repeatedly which are alleged to be indecent especially for children.”
“Advertisement which endangers the safety of children or create in them any interest in unhealthy practices or shows them begging or in an undignified or indecent manner,” behind banning the condom advertisements, the advisory invoked Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994.
The advisory stated:
“In view of the above, all TV channels are hereby advised not to telecast the advertisements of condoms which are for a particular age group and could be indecent/inappropriate for viewing by children. Indecent, vulgar, suggestive, repulsive or offensive themes or treatment shall be avoided in all advertisements.
It said such advertisements may be telecast between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. to avoid exposure of such material to children. Any failure will attract action as per provisions of the rules.”
The whole decision of banning the controversial condom ads is taken after a condom ad featuring Sunny Leone drew protest during Navaratri in Surat. The hoarding of the ad displayed a Gujarati message “play but with love” and it attracted a lot of backlashes from the society. And hence, here is the decision.
