Pursuant to the recent Supreme Court (“SC”) judgement dated 7th May, 2024, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (“MIB”) has introduced a new feature:
- on the Broadcast Seva Portal (MIB) for TV and Radio Advertisements and;
- on Press Council of India’s portal for Print and Digital/Internet Advertisements
and directed all advertisers and advertising agencies to submit a Self- Declaration Certificate for all new advertisements that will be issued/telecast/aired/published on or after 18th June, 2024. The certificate, signed by an authorized representative of the advertiser/advertising agency, needs to be submitted through the following portals:
- https://new.broadcastseva.gov.in/digigov-portal-web-app/webHP?requestType=ApplicationRH&actionVal=userRegister&screenId=1111&user=9000009
- https://cbcindia.gov.in/cbc/advt-login
Further, the advertisers must provide proof of uploading the Self-Declaration Certificate to the relevant broadcaster, printer, publisher, or electronic media platform for their records.
The self-declaration certificate aims to ensure that advertisements are truthful and adhere to regulatory guidelines, including provisions of the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994, and the Norms of Journalistic Conduct of the Press Council of India.
MIB has clarified that ongoing advertisements do not require the self-certification currently and therefore, allowed a buffer period of 2 weeks for providing sufficient time to all stakeholders to familiarize themselves with the process of self- certification.
Background: The SC, in the case of Indian Medical Association and Anr Vs. Union of India and Ors (please refer to the attached document for the judgement) directed the advertisers/advertising agency to submit a Self-declaration before an advertisement is printed/aired/displayed. Further, the SC also directed the Ministry to create a dedicated portal for this purpose. This direction represents a significant stride towards guaranteeing transparency, safeguarding consumer interests, and promoting responsible advertising standards.
A Copy of the Notification is linked below for your ease of reference.
Source: Press Information Bureau
