Misleading advertisements on TV will invite action, says Government

• Lok Sabha informed of strict rules against supernatural product claims

New Delhi, 11-03-2026: The Government has made it clear that all advertisements aired on private satellite television channels must strictly comply with the prescribed Advertising Code, and that no commercial should include claims that may mislead viewers into believing that a product possesses miraculous, supernatural or difficult to prove qualities.

This position was conveyed in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday by Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L Murugan, who said that the existing regulatory framework already lays down clear standards for advertisements shown on private TV channels. He informed the House that all such advertisements are governed by the Advertising Code framed under the Cable Television Networks Regulation Act, 1995, along with the relevant rules made under the law.

Referring specifically to the provisions of the code, the Minister said that Rule 7(5) clearly prohibits advertisements from carrying references that could lead the public to infer that a product, or any of its ingredients, has special, miraculous or supernatural properties that are difficult to establish with evidence. The provision is intended to prevent exaggerated or deceptive claims that may influence consumers unfairly and undermine informed decision making.

The Government also underlined that violations of the Advertising Code do not go unnoticed. The Minister said that whenever any private television channel is found to have breached the code, appropriate action is taken under the existing legal and regulatory mechanism. He added that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting also issues advisories from time to time to broadcasters, reminding them of their responsibility to ensure that all content, including commercial advertising, remains within the bounds of the law.

The statement assumes significance in the context of growing concerns over misleading advertisements, particularly those that attempt to market products by invoking unverified claims of extraordinary effectiveness or unusual qualities. Such advertisements not only have the potential to misguide viewers but can also create false expectations among consumers, especially in sectors where public trust is particularly important.

The Minister further informed the House that consumer protection mechanisms are also in place to address such concerns more broadly. He pointed out that the Central Consumer Protection Authority has been established under Section 10 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, to deal with issues related to violation of consumer rights, unfair trade practices and false or misleading advertisements. The authority has been tasked with protecting and enforcing the rights of consumers as a class, thereby adding another layer of oversight in matters involving deceptive commercial promotion.

The Government’s response in Parliament reflects a continued emphasis on responsible broadcasting and truthful advertising. It sends a clear message that promotional material aired on television must be evidence based, legally compliant and sensitive to consumer rights. At a time when advertisements can strongly influence public behaviour and purchasing choices, adherence to the advertising code remains essential for maintaining credibility, fairness and public trust in the broadcast media space.