National Desk, 8th May: The Supreme Court on May 7th issued strong measures aimed at curbing misleading advertisements, warning celebrities and public figures about the repercussions of endorsing products irresponsibly. Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah presided over the bench, instituting stringent regulations that require advertisers to self-certify their compliance with Indian laws prior to airing advertisements. This self-attestation protocol mirrors the Cable TV Network Rules of 1994.
Additionally, the apex court directed relevant ministries to provide updates on actions taken by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) against deceptive advertisements. Notably, the bench emphasized the significant influence of renowned personalities in shaping consumer preferences through endorsements. “Endorsements by celebrities, influencers, and public figures have a substantial impact on product promotion, underscoring the need for them to endorse products responsibly and assume accountability,” stated the court.
These firm directives were issued during the court’s hearing of a case filed by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) in 2022 against Patanjali Ayurved Ltd. The case accused the company and its founder, yoga guru Ramdev, of orchestrating a smear campaign against modern medicine and the Covid vaccination drive. Expressing dissatisfaction with the persistence of prohibited and misleading Patanjali advertisements on various online platforms despite court orders, the bench reaffirmed its commitment to addressing misleading advertising practices.