Brands
ASCI decisions binding on non-members too: Delhi district court
MUMBAI: On the back of the Consumer Protection Act passed in parliament recently comes a District Magistrate Court’s order that ASCI decisions are applicable to members as well as non-members. Until now a large number of advertisers avoided becoming members of ASCI under the mistaken notion that they would then not have to abide by ASCI decisions.
In a landmark judgement by the Delhi district court (Tis Hazari), for a ruling, in the case of PRIMORDIAL SYSTEMS P. LTD. V. THE ADVERTISING STANDARDS COUNCIL OF INDIA, the court has given a verdict in the favour of advertising self-regulatory body, ASCI.
The complainant advertiser (Primordial Systems), argued that being a non-member of ASCI, the self-regulation code laid down by ASCI is not applicable to them and ASCI has no jurisdiction over the advertiser. The court affirmed that ASCI, has the power to, after following due process, provide recommendations to the advertiser to modify or remove the advertisement containing claims that are considered as misleading by the ASCI’s independent Consumer Complaints Council (CCC).
The court clearly stated that though the complainant is not a member of ASCI but is indulging in activity, viz of advertising, for which ASCI has made a self-regulation code and for breach of that, ASCI entertains complaints. Thus, if ASCI makes a recommendation and in pursuance thereto the advertising agency or the television channel refuse to air the advertisement of the complainant, they would be entitled to do so. No merit is thus found in the argument of the counsel of complainant being a non-member of ASCI and ASCI thus having no jurisdiction over the complainant.
The court further reiterated that ASCI has been constituted as a self-regulatory body for the purpose of advertisements and the code drafted and changed from time to time by ASCI has been given a statutory flavour. It is already held by the Supreme Court of India that ASCI looks into specific complaints regarding violation of programme code hence prima facie it cannot be said that entertainment of a complaint is without due process.
In such view of the matter court settled that ASCI has the power to regulate the advertisements as per guidelines laid down.
ASCI chairman D Shivakumar said, “It is a very significant judgement passed by Delhi court as it clarifies that all advertisers come under the purview of ASCI’s guidelines. It also sends a clear message to the entire industry that investing in honest advertising is effective as dishonest advertising is not going to work. Clearly, for the consumers it is a big win as all the industry members whether they are part of ASCI or not, can no longer deceive them with misleading advertising.”
Brands
Beardo unveils new film for Godfather fragrance
Danish Pandor leads cinematic campaign spotlighting power and comeback narrative.
MUMBAI: Power doesn’t always shout sometimes, it just walks back in and takes its seat. Beardo has rolled out a new campaign film for its flagship Godfather fragrance, bringing a cinematic lens to one of its most recognisable products. The film stars Danish Pandor, fresh off his portrayal of Uzair Baloch, and leans into a narrative built on quiet authority, tension, and a long-anticipated return.
Set in an abandoned den with an unclaimed throne, the film unfolds through whispers and restrained drama, culminating in a reveal that favours presence over proclamation. The storytelling mirrors the positioning of the Godfather fragrance itself, an enduring bestseller in the men’s grooming category, known for its bold, woody-spicy profile and appeal across age groups.
Rather than opting for a traditional feature-led approach, the brand leans into mood and mythology. Pandor’s performance anchors the film’s central idea of an anti-hero reclaiming control, aligning with the fragrance’s identity as a symbol of dominance and self-assured masculinity.
Conceptualised by Beardo’s in-house team, the campaign has been released across Instagram and Youtube, reflecting a broader shift towards content that blurs the line between advertising and entertainment particularly for digital-first audiences.
The fragrance itself blends mint, lemon, geranium, vetiver, and musk, designed to be long-lasting and versatile. But the campaign makes it clear: this isn’t just about scent notes, it’s about signalling presence.
In a category crowded with claims, Beardo’s latest play doesn’t try to be louder. It simply leans into the idea that the real ‘OG’ doesn’t announce itself, it’s felt.
