Reliance Jio made use of PM Modi’s photographs for advertising the brand through print and electronic mediums. However, Reliance might have to pay a penalty for the same. Do you know why?
Well, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, the Information and Broadcast Minister stated that the company hadn’t sought prior permission from PMO’s office for using these photographs.
The government further added that appropriate actions would be taken against Reliance, for violating the law.
This is as per The Emblems and Names (Prevention Of Improper Use) Act 1950, which prohibits use of improper names and emblems for commercial as well as professional purposes. This act lists 36 emblems and names that one can’t use; these include pictures and names of Ashoka Chakra, Dharma Chakra, Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, PM, President of India, Government of India and Governor of a State.
But wait, do you know how much penalty Reliance would have to pay? It is indeed a meagre amount i.e. just Rs 500; is it justified?
Neeraj Shekhar, the MP of Samajwadi Party had questioned regarding this, on which Rathore replied that the government is aware of PM’s photos being used in the ads.
We had also seen opposition parties raising questions about Modi’s photo being used in Paytm advertisement. Shekhar also asked if there was a law, which permits the PM to be the brand ambassador of some company.
On this, Rathore replied that as of now, ministry officials haven’t got any complaints with regards to the misuse of photos, but if laws are violated, they will take the necessary actions.
Things are not confirmed yet and I&B Ministry is still looking into the matter, but if a penalty is applicable on Jio, it will get away by paying off Rs 500? This amount is not even peanuts for the company.
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