Delhi News: TV Today Network's Apology Appeal Denied, High Court Stands Firm on Liquor Ad Violation

Delhi News: TV Today Network, which owns the news channels Aaj Tak and India Today, recently had its appeal against a Central government order requiring the network to run apology scrolls for airing spirits brand advertisements on its news channels denied by the Delhi High Court [TV Today Network Limited v Union of India & Anr].

Judge Subramonium Prasad's Denial of TV Today's Plea

Judge Subramonium Prasad denied the plea, pointing out that TV Today had displayed the logo of "100 Pipers" while promoting 100 Pipers Music CDs, in violation of Rule 7 (Advertising Code) of the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994.

Judge's Assessment of "100 Pipers" Display

“The display of the logo of '100 Pipers' would thus appear to be in contravention of that Rule. Since the provisions of Rule 7 has not been complied with, the contention of the learned Counsel for the Petitioner that they had proceeded in good faith on the basis of the CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification) certificate which was submitted by the advertiser cannot be accepted as the Rules do not permit the broadcaster to independently ascertain the veracity of the clip that is provided by the advertiser,” the Court observed. The Court determined that the "All Seasons Club Soda" advertisement was not even CBFC-certified when it came to running it.

TV Today's Petition Against MIB Order

After TV Today filed a petition in the High Court contesting an order issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) on June 14, 2022, the Court issued the order. TV Today was ordered by the MIB to run an apology scroll at the bottom of the screen, four times a day, for three days straight, between 9 AM and 9 PM, for airing commercials for All Seasons Club Soda and 100 Pipers Music CDs on its news channels. The scroll was to be displayed in a bold, readable font.

TV Today's CBFC Certificate Argument

In regards to the "100 Pipers" broadcast, TV Today contended that the advertisement's certificate from the CBFC served as the basis for the clip's airing. In reference to the "All Seasons Club Soda" broadcast, it was mentioned that other types of products as well as spirits brands frequently use the brand name "All Seasons."

Attorney's Argument on Channel Verification

The attorney contended that the channel was under no obligation to verify that the advertisement clip it was airing was the same as the one that might have been approved by the CBFC, so the MIB orders had to be overturned. The Court was further informed that the media outlet had operated in good faith. On the other hand, Justice Prasad dismissed these claims. “In view of the above, this Court is not inclined to interfere with the Orders dated 14.06.2022, passed by the Competent Authority, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting," the High Court concluded.

TV Today Network's Legal Team

On TV Today Network, advocates Hrishikesh Baruah, Anurag Mishra, Kumar Kshitij, Radhika Gupta, and Saumitra made an appearance. Advocates Kirti Dadheech, Akhil Hasija, and Ojaswa Pathak, as well as Central Government Standing Counsel (CGSC) Apoorv Kurup, represented the Union of India.

Keep watching our YouTube Channel ‘DNP INDIA’. Also, please subscribe and follow us on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and TWITTER