Govt lobs poll ad issue into EC court

The information and broadcasting ministry said the Election Commission should take steps to regulate surrogate political advertisements on television since such ads did not come under the purview of the Cable Television Act.

The ministry said the advertising committee after going through the provisions of the Act was of the opinion that there were no legal provisions to stop such advertisements.

"The commission is, therefore, requested to consider regulating such advertisements under the model code of conduct as they are clearly being aired in the context of the ensuing elections," the information and broadcasting ministry told the Election Commission in a communication.

The ministry has also told the commission that it will assist in regulating and monitoring such advertisements.

However, the Andhra Pradesh High Court order allowing political advertisements on television is being examined by the information and broadcasting ministry in consultation with the law ministry.