Now 'Neta' free advertisements in newspapers

SC bans use of images of any politicians except Prime Minister, President and Chief Justice of India in govt ads

by exchange4media Staff
Published: May 14, 2015 9:21 AM | 1 min read

Now 'Neta' free advertisements in newspapers

In a recent development, Supreme Court of India banned the use of images of any politicians except Prime Minister, President and Chief Justice of India in govt ads. The court allowed their images to be used in media but also said, “Even these three personalities will have to approve whether their photos will be there.”

The court highlighted that publishing of photographs of any personalities (other than the above-mentioned) has the potential to create a personality cult. That is why it should not be permitted. It led SC to exempt photos of deceased leaders from its new rules.

The court said, “Advertisements materials should be objective and not directed at promoting political interests of ruling party.”

This will impact mostly on state-centric advertisements. Chief Ministers and Governors can’t get featured in government ads anymore. SC also said that the government can't be allowed to use public money for unproductive purposes like giving advertisements for political gains.

The judgement came after a petition was filed by lawyer Prashant Bhushan, who sought strict rules to check the misuse of tax payers money spent on government ads and personal publicity.