The Delhi High Court on Monday directed the Press Council of India (PCI) to decide whether or not the photographs of President, Prime Minister and other persons holding constitutional positions can be used in private advertisements.
The direction was passed during the hearing of a PIL filed by Ajay Gautam, over the unauthorised use of Prime Minister's photograph in a print advertisement issued by telecom company Reliance Jio and digital wallet Paytm.
Since the petitioner had not made Reliance or Paytm a party in the case, the court did not issue a notice to either of the companies.
In September 2016, Reliance Jio had used the Prime Minister's image in the advertisement for its 4G services, which read, "A tribute to realise the Digital India vision of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi."
Following the announcement of demonetisation on November 8 of the same year, Paytm issued an advertisement for its digital transaction service, and used the Prime Minister's picture.
"Paytm congratulates Honorable Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi on taking the boldest decision in the financial history of independent India!" read the advert.
After receiving notices from the ministry of consumer affairs for contravening the law that prohibits the use of Prime Minister's name and picture for commercial use, both the companies issued an apology, last year.
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