| As far as electronic media is concerned, all programmes
and advertisements of satellite TV channels transmitted or retransmitted
through cable service are required to adhere to the provisions of
the Advertising Code prescribed under the Cable Television Networks
(Regulation) Act, 1995 and the rules framed there under.
The consumers who are affected/aggrieved have an option to seek
redressal before a Consumer Forum established under Consumer Protection
Act, 1986 against such unfair trade practices.
The Act also empowers the State or the Central Government, as the
case may be, to seek redressal in a Consumer Forum against such
unfair trade practices either in individual capacity or as a representative
of interests of consumers in general.
The Press in India is free from Government control. The Press Council
of India (PCI) is a statutory authority established for preserving
the freedom of the Press and for maintaining and improving the standards
of newspapers and news agencies in India.
PCI has built 'Norms of Journalistic Conduct' , which cover principles
and ethics with regard to journalism, which states that Editors
should insist on their right to have the final say in the acceptance
or rejection of advertisements.
The advisories issued by the PCI, however, carry only moral force
and are not enforceable in a Court of Law. Misleading advertisements
issued with the objective of attracting consumers by companies come
under the category of unfair trade practices under Section 36A of
the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Act (MRTP Act). On
receipt of complaint, action is taken by the MRTP Commission.
This Information has been given by Minister of Information and
Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs P. R. Dasmunsi in written
reply to a question in Lok Sabha.
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