I&B Ministry Says No To ‘Condom’ Ads On TV From 6 AM To 10 PM [Read Advisory]

The advertisements of condoms, which are for a particular age group, could be indecent and inappropriate for viewing by children, the Circular reads.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, has issued a circular asking TV channels not to telecast advertisements of condoms between 6 am and 10 pm.

The reason for such an ‘advise’ stated in the circular issued on Monday, is that the “the advertisements of condoms which are for a particular age group and could be indecent and inappropriate for viewing by children”.

The circular reads: “Therefore, such advertisements may be telecast between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM to avoid exposure of such material to children and to ensure strict adherence to the provisions contained in the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994.”

The ministry has quoted two Rules of the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994 in the circular. They are:

Rule 7 (7):  "No advertisement which endangers the safety of children or creates in them any interest in unhealthy practices or shows them begging or in an undignified or indecent manner shall not be carried in the cable service.”

Rule 7 (8): "Indecent, vulgar, suggestive, repulsive or offensive themes or treatment shall be avoided in all advertisements."

The ministry has also warned that any failure to comply with the circular will attract action as per provisions of the Rules.