New Delhi: All advertisements broadcast on private satellite television channels must comply with the Advertising Code, and no ad should suggest that a product possesses “miraculous” or unprovable qualities, the Lok Sabha was informed on Wednesday.

Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, L Murugan, stated that under the existing regulatory framework, all ads on private satellite TV channels are required to follow the Advertising Code prescribed under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, along with the rules framed thereunder.

He highlighted that Rule 7(5) of the Advertising Code explicitly prohibits any references in advertisements that are likely to lead the public to believe that a product or any of its ingredients has special, miraculous, or supernatural properties that are difficult to substantiate.

“Appropriate action is taken against private TV channels when violations of any provision of the Advertising Code are found. The Ministry also issues advisories from time to time to broadcasters to ensure compliance,” Murugan added, in response to a written question.

The minister further noted that the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), established under Section 10 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, regulates violations of consumer rights, unfair trade practices, and false or misleading advertisements, safeguarding the rights of consumers as a class.