India: Delhi Govt Issues Notice to Devgn for Ad

Source from:  The Statesman 03/11/2016

The Delhi government on Thursday issued a compliance notice to actor Ajay Devgn for appearing in an advertisement of tobacco products.

In the notice, it mentioned, "In view of this it is clear that the said paan masala is being advertised as brand promotion of gutka/tobacco products which is misleading the consumer, especially the minors, and is a great violation of public health practice as per COTPA 2003," said S K Arora, Additional Director, Health.

It further said, "Though the onus of this violation of section 5 of COTPA lies upon the said tobacco company but by appearing in the advertisement you also become party to this violation under section 5 of the Act. Therefore through this letter you are served strict compliance notice not to appear in such advertisement which is not only misleading the consumer but also promoting tobacco products," stated Arora.

He further said all kinds of direct and indirect advertisement of tobacco products has been banned as per section 5 of Cigarette and Other Tobacco Product Act 2003. Delhi government has already filed an FIR against three major tobacco companies on the issue of surrogate advertisements and is waiting for the action taken report by Delhi Police.

"Delhi government is repeatedly asking Delhi Police to submit the report but there is no reply from police till date," said Arora. Enditem