What are the rules and regulations governing advertising in India?

Answer By law4u team

Advertising in India is regulated by several laws, regulations, and self-regulatory bodies to ensure that advertisements are fair, transparent, and do not mislead consumers. Some of the key rules and regulations governing advertising in India include: The Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995: This law governs advertising on cable and satellite television in India. It prohibits advertisements that are obscene, defamatory, or against public interest. The Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994: These rules provide specific guidelines for the content and timing of advertisements on cable television networks. They dictate, for example, that advertisements for products like cigarettes and alcohol should not be broadcast between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI): ASCI is a self-regulatory body that monitors advertising content in India. It issues guidelines and codes for ethical advertising practices and addresses consumer complaints about misleading or offensive advertisements. The Consumer Protection Act, 2019: This act provides a framework for addressing consumer complaints related to misleading advertising. It establishes the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to tackle unfair trade practices, including deceptive advertising. The Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954: This act aims to regulate advertisements that make claims about the efficacy of drugs, particularly those that are not supported by scientific evidence. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI): FSSAI regulates advertisements related to food products, ensuring they adhere to safety and labeling standards. The Advertising Code under the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994: This code prescribes standards for advertising content, including guidelines to avoid misleading, false, or offensive advertisements. The Press Council of India Guidelines: These guidelines cover advertising in newspapers and periodicals, ensuring that advertisements do not resemble editorial content and that they are not misleading. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS): BIS regulates the quality and standards of various products, and advertisements for such products should comply with BIS standards. The Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020: These rules apply to advertising on e-commerce platforms and include provisions for clear and transparent disclosures in advertisements. It's important for advertisers to be aware of these regulations and comply with them to avoid legal issues and penalties. Additionally, the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) plays a significant role in self-regulation and monitors advertising content closely to ensure it meets ethical standards. Advertisers are encouraged to follow ASCI's guidelines and codes of conduct to maintain responsible advertising practices.

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