Business | Media and Marketing
India bans risque deodorant ads
Ministry warns TV channels not to broadcast 'overtly sexual' commercials
- AFP
- Published: 00:00 May 27, 2011
- Image Credit: Supplied
- The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced a crackdown after it found the commercials violated advertising codes
New Delhi: Indian regulators have ordered television channels not to broadcast "overtly sexual" deodorant commercials that use female models in risque storylines, news reports said.
Advertisements under the scanner include one in which a woman finds a man's deodorant so attractive that she starts unbuttoning her blouse, and another in which a woman is drawn to her sweet-smelling brother-in-law.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced a crackdown after it found the commercials violated advertising codes, the Financial Express newspaper reported.
"The depiction and portrayal of women in these ads are overtly sexual," the ministry said.
"The ads brim with messages aimed at tickling the libidinous male instincts and portrayal of women as lustily hankering after men."
It described the adverts as "indecent, vulgar and suggestive."
The ministry told the Advertising Standards Council of India, an independent regulatory body, to ensure the commercials were modified or taken off air.
Brands affected include Wild Stone, Addiction Deo and Axe.
Last year, the ministry suspended the France-based channel Fashion TV for falling foul of obscenity laws by broadcasting bare-breasted models during a fashion show.
Business Editor's choice
-
China breaks West's solar monopoly
Some countries in the world, especially Germany and the United States, have made considerable efforts to invest in developing solar energy cells
-
Burberry store spree will cut profit
Trenchcoat maker forges ahead with investment strategy targeting emerging markets
-
Laws needed to spur region bond markets
UAE Central Bank calls for creation of a centralised Sharia board to facilitate the sale of sukuk
