MAM
It’s target LIC, ICICI after Fair & Lovely ad
MUMBAI: Hindustan Lever Limited’s Fair & Lovely is not the only product to have attracted criticism from the All India Women’s Democratic Association.
The Delhi based organisation’s media monitoring cell, has in fact, zeroed in on at least three other advertisements, including an LIC ad, an ICICI ad and a Tata Yellow Pages ad, which allegedly display gender discrimination and ought, in AIDWA’s view, to be taken off air. Only the HLL ad has however, attracted media attention and resulted in channels opting to pull it off air.
In a letter to the information and broadcasting minister, the association points out that the Tata Yellow Pages ad too, is extremely insulting to women. “The concerned advertisement now being shown on various television channels depicts a scene in which a man decides that the baby his wife has delivered is not his, because of its dark complexion. In view of his wife’s presumed infidelity, he needs a divorce lawyer – the information according to the ad is available in Tata Yellow Pages.”
AIDWA says the ad is objectionable as –
1. According to statistics, domestic violence against women as also male infidelity are among the main reasons for disruption of family life. The ad could have portrayed this reality but instead creates a make-believe “cheating” woman, which not only is a mockery of the reality but also creates a distorted image of women.
2. The ad shows a complexion of the baby as being dark which then becomes reason enough for a divorce. This is not only racist but also sends a wrong message that if your baby happens to be dark and you are not, it would then automatically mean that your wife has been unfaithful.
3. Clearly the ad is directed at a purely male audience only and is premised on the notion that male viewers will respond positively to the demeaning women. Its very basis is therefore patriarchal and also strengthens such retrograte views.
In another letter to the National Human Rights Commission, the AIDWA has drawn attention to the plethora of advertisements being shown on TV channels that are demeaning to women and promote son-preference, which violate the constitutional guarantees for equality as well as representing active discrimination against the girl child.
AIDWA says its media monitoring group had earlier this year written to several companies about their advertisements, but the corporates have chosen to ignore its letters and complaints. Among them figure the Fair and Lovely advertisement, a Life Insurance Corporation ad and that of ICICI, a reputed finance company.
The LIC ad, says AIDWA, is for insurance for future of children: “It specifically mentions expenditure at the time of a daughter’s marriage and for a son’ education. It is objectionable on the following grounds: it projects a daughter as a liability and a son as an investment; it discriminates between a male and female child by denying the girl the right to the same educational facilities as her brother; it strengthens the stereotype, harmful to women that the only future for a young woman is marriage; by assuming expenses at the time of a daughter’s marriage it promotes the concept of dowry.”
AIDWA general secretary Brinda Karat says the organization had demanded that the ad be withdrawn, but that its plaint was ignored.
In the ICICI ad, a husband is shown applying putting ‘sindur’ on his bride’s forehead, and the word ‘suraksha’ (protection) appears. AIDWA says the ad is is objectionable on the ground that it clearly links protection only to the husband thus promoting the erroneous notion that a woman is incapable of looking after herself and requires a husband to do so; it is also discriminatory to single women.
The Press Council, says the AIDWA, has expressed its inability to act, as its jurisdiction does not extend to advertisements.
Karat now says that failing self regulation by broadcasters, it is incumbent on the government to take swift action against such ads. AIDWA has also demanded that the I&B ministry could also take the initiative for corrective measures against the companies that sell their products through such advertisements and that NGOs be given representation on inter ministerial committees that look into such issues.
Many drivers assume basic coverage is just a formality until an accident involving someone else brings legal notices, compensation claims, and unexpected financial pressure. At that point, the real importance of car insurance becomes clear. A single road incident can quickly create obligations that are difficult to manage alone.
In this blog, you will learn how third-party online cover supports legal safety, what it includes, and why securing it online is a smart first step.
Why Third-Party Insurance is Legally Mandatory
Indian motor law requires vehicles used on public roads to carry third-party liability cover. The intent is to protect the public by ensuring there is a recognised route for compensation when a vehicle causes harm to others.
If a vehicle is driven without this cover, penalties can apply, and the owner may have to pay the compensation amount personally if legal liability is decided against them. This helps ensure that people who suffer loss are not left without support.
How Third-Party Online Insurance Works
When third party car insurance is purchased online, the proposer shares vehicle and personal details, pays the premium, and receives the policy document in digital form. The cover applies during the policy period and provides legal liability protection for others arising from the use of the insured vehicle.
If an incident leads to a claim, the process usually involves reporting, submitting required papers, and following the steps set by the authority handling the matter.
What is Covered Under Third-Party Insurance?
This cover is designed to pay for losses suffered by others when legal liability is established. The response depends on the policy terms, the evidence, and the decision made during the claim proceedings.
Bodily Injury to Third Party
If someone else is injured in an accident involving the insured vehicle, the policy can cover the insured person’s legal liability. Compensation is assessed using medical records and other supporting documents, along with findings on responsibility. Payment is made based on the final compensation amount decided in the case, as per the policy terms.
Property Damage
If another person’s property is damaged, the policy can respond to the insured person’s liability for that loss, within the limit mentioned in the policy. The amount is generally based on documents that support ownership and the assessed repair or replacement cost. Timely reporting and clear paperwork can reduce delays in assessment.
Legal Support During Claim Proceedings
Third-party claims can involve notices, hearings, and filings because they focus on legal liability. Under the policy terms, the insurer may assist in organising documents and managing parts of the defence process through appointed representatives. This can support orderly communication and reduce missed deadlines.
What is Not Covered
Third-party cover is narrow, so some common expenses are excluded. These exclusions are common, but the exact details depend on the policy terms.
● Damage to the insured vehicle is not covered, including repair costs.
● Loss or damage to the insured person’s belongings is not covered.
● Injury cover for the owner-driver or passengers is typically separate.
● Claims linked to use that breaches policy terms may not be payable.
● Contractual promises beyond legal liability are generally not included unless stated.
Why Buying Online Strengthens Legal Safety
Buying online does not change legal duties, but it can make compliance easier to maintain and easier to prove. Digital records also support clarity if cover dates are questioned after an incident.
● Digital issuance can reduce the risk of an accidental gap in cover.
● A stored e-policy can be retrieved quickly when proof is requested.
● Receipts and time stamps help confirm when the policy was active.
● Online renewals can support timely payment and avoid lapsed cover.
● Clear documents make limits and required steps easier to understand.
Conclusion
Third-party liability cover is a direct step towards legal protection because it covers losses suffered by others when a vehicle causes harm. It supports compliance and reduces the risk of penalties for uninsured driving. Buying online can help keep policy documents, dates, and receipts easy to retrieve during checks and claim proceedings. When the cover’s scope and exclusions are understood in advance, it becomes easier to stay compliant, prepared, and confident on the road.
