The Central Government issued notices to Paytm and Reliance Jio, for their ‘unauthorised use’ of PM Narendra Modi’s image to advertise their products, Economic Times reported.
An official with the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution added that the companies may also face penalties in the coming week.
The Department of Consumer Affairs advised the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to “sensitise the media” on their need to obtain “prior permission” before commercial usage of specific emblems and names prohibited by The Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950.
The day after demonetisation was announced on 9 November, Paytm launched a cover page advertisement urging the public to use their digital wallet service with a picture of PM Modi on it.
The government's decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currencies benefits digital wallet firms like Paytm, and their image and services were also boosted by the government's direct campaign to promote cashless transactions.
But the image of the Prime Minister in the advertisements caused a massive debate amongst the public leading to a Public Interest Litigation.
Similarly, Reliance Jio also used the PM’s image, claiming it was furthering the government’s move towards a ‘Digital India’.
Legal experts however, weighed in on the issue and on the government’s delayed reactions.
A lawyer from a major law firm held a stronger view that it was unconstitutional for a brand to use sitting politicians as brand ambassadors, which is what these advertisements amounted to.
(Source: Economic Times)
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