Madras HC pulls up TV channels for airing obscene ads and programs

The Madras High Court has granted an interim injunction restraining TV channels from airing advertisements and programs which display obscenity in the name of doctor's advice as it may affect the minds of youngsters and children. The bench of Justices observed that some condom ads aired after 10 pm contain shocking pornographic content that is viewed by audiences of all age groups.

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The Bench noted that these ads for 'aphrodisiacs' known as 'love drugs' look like pornographic films as nudity is being exhibited in those films. They remarked that these ads are punishable under Section 16 of the Cable Television Network (Regulation) Act 1995. These advertisements or programmes telecasted in the name of selling condoms and aphrodisiacs, inner wears violate the Cable Television Network Rules, 1994.

Considering that there is no censorship for the ad and programs shared on satellite TV channels, the judges sougth response with regard to censorship of programs telecast on channels and adjourned the case to December 1. The hearing was for a public interest litigation filed by a person K S Sagadevaraja, from Virundhunagar.