ASCI upheld complaints against 90 out of 156 Advertisements in March 2016

Mumbai: In March 2016, ASCI’s Consumer Complaints Council (CCC) upheld complaints against 90 out of 156 advertisements. Out of 90 advertisements against which complaints were upheld, 32 belonged to the Education category, 30 in the Healthcare & Personal Care category, followed by 10 in the Food & Beverages category and 18 advertisements from other categories.

HEALTH & PERSONAL CARE:

The CCC found the following claims in health care & personal care product or service advertisements of 30 advertisers to be either misleading or false or not adequately / scientifically substantiated and hence violating ASCI’s Code. Some of the health care products or services advertisements also contravened provisions of the Drug & Magic Remedies Act and Chapter 1.1 and III.4 of the ASCI Code. Complaints against the following advertisements were UPHELD.

1. Medinn Belle Herbal Care (P) Ltd. (Endura Mass): The advertisement’s claim, “India’s most trusted weight gainer”, was not substantiated and the claim was misleading by exaggeration.

1. Adesh Group of Institutions & Hospital (Adesh Hospital): The advertisement’s claim, “Adesh Hospital has Punjab’s first Coblation machine”, was not substantiated and was misleading by exaggeration.

1. Rajsee Ayurvedic Capsules: The claims in the advertisement (in Gujarati) as translated into English, “Rajsee capsule is an effective combination produced with mainly five different extracts. Its 21-day course is definitely helpful”, were not substantiated and were misleading.   Also, specific to the claims implying treatment for sexual disease (virility problems), the advertisement is in breach of the law as it violated The Drugs & Magic Remedies Act.

1. Dindayal Industries Limited (303 Capsule): The claims in the advertisement (in Gujarathi) as translated into English, “Only for men”, “India’s No. 1 power booster”, were not substantiated and were misleading.   Also, the advertisement’s claim, “Give wings to your desires” when read in conjunction with other claims, implies that the product is meant for enhancement of sexual pleasure, which is in breach of the law as it violates The Drugs & Magic Remedies Act.

1. Patanjali Ayurved Ltd. (Patanjali Kesh Kanti Natural Hair Cleanser & Oil): The advertisement’s claim, “mineral oil is carcinogenic in nature and may cause cancer” was false and misleading by ambiguity and by gross exaggeration.

1. Amrutanjan Health Care Ltd. (Amrutanjan Pain Balm): The advertisement’s claim, “India’s No.1 pain balm” was not substantiated and was misleading.

1. Doctor Care Pharma Care Pvt. Ltd. (Syor Powder): The advertisement’s claims, “Bhoolna mana Hai”, “trust of lakhs of students”, “Syor powder is enriched with Brahmi and Shankhpushpi” and “Brahmi and Shankhpushpi enhances concentration and memory manifold”, were not substantiated and the claims were considered to be misleading.

1. Bajaj Corp Ltd. (Bajaj Almond Drops Hair Oil): The advertisement’s claims, “It is rich with Almond oil and because of which hair get complete nourishment” and “Gives complete nourishment from root to tip” were not substantiated.

1. Bullet Capsule: The claims in the TVC (in Bengali) read in conjunction with the pack’s visual implies that the product is meant for enhancement of sexual pleasure, which is in breach of the law as it violates The Drugs & Magic Remedies Act and is misleading by implication.

1. Lovrect: The claims in the advertisement (in Gujarati), as translated into English, “Best solution for couples”, “Get back your sex life”, “Loverect is a safe, US-FDA certified device for those men who are not able to enjoy with their partner”, “This is not a medicine, pill, injection or spray. This makes you fully capable and this does not have any side effects”, “Suitable for all age groups and medical conditions”, “No pill. No injection. No surgery”, “Benefits of Loverect: Safe and certified by medical practitioners, Easy to use, For a longer period, No need for medical consultation, Diabetes, B.P. and prostrate patients can also use”, were not substantiated and were misleading. Also, the claims pertaining to the benefits of the product read in conjunction with the advertisement visual implies that the product is meant for enhancement of sexual pleasure, which is in breach of the law as it violates The Drugs & Magic Remedies Act.

1. Brad Ayurveda (Brad Ayurveda Eye Drop): The claims in the advertisement, “Helps in reducing the numbers for eyes” and “Increases the brightness of eyes, removes blurriness”, were not substantiated, and the claims were misleading.  Also, specific to the claims implying improvement in eye sight, the advertisement is in breach of the law as it violated The Drugs & Magic Remedies Act.

1. Tara Homeopathy Clinic (Tara Clinic Re-grow Hair on Bald Head): The claim in the advertisement (in Hindi) as translated in English, “re-grow hair on bald head by using advanced scientific method”, was not substantiated. The visuals showing the images of before and after the treatment were misleading. Specific to the claim of “100% guarantee” implying cure of baldness (a condition referred in Schedule J of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act), the advertisement is in breach of the law as it violates The Drugs & Cosmetics Rule 106.

1. Dr Khalid’s Positive Health Clinic: The claim in the advertisement (in Hindi) as translated in English “Successful treatment of all incurable diseases with Unani Drugs”, was misleading by gross exaggeration and was not substantiated.

1. Jolly Health Care (Jolly Sunsex Gold Capsule & Tel): The claim in the advertisement (in Hindi) as translated in English “for happy married life” read along with other declarations “Very beneficial for men” and the reference of use of oil along with capsule read in conjunction with the pack visual implies that the product is meant for enhancement of sexual pleasure, which is in breach of the law as it violates The Drugs & Magic Remedies Act and is misleading by implication.

1. Shree Narayanan Ayurvedic Pharmacy (Lion Brand Va-nari Vati Special Pill): The claims in the advertisement (in Gujarati) as translated into English, “Removes physical weakness”, “Strengthens weak limbs”, “Nourishes the seven elements of the body” and “Nourishes endocrine glands” were not substantiated and were misleading.

1. Divisa Herbal Care (Dr. Juneja’s Accumass): The claims in the advertisement  (in Hindi) as translated into English “Gain weight”, “Greatly helpful in Gaining  weight” and “Certified ayurvedic medicine”, were not substantiated with evidence of efficacy and product approval from the licensing authority and were misleading.

1. Jolly Healthcare (Fat Go Powder, Capsules, Oil): The claims in the advertisement (in Hindi), as translated into English, for Jolly FatGo Powder states, “an advanced and ayurvedic method to control weight”, “Take the powder, in empty stomach, in place of one meal”, “There will be no feeling of hunger or weakness”, “This powder reduces calorie intake. 14 extremely effective ingredients present in the powder help decrease paunch”. In addition, the part of the advertisement for Jolly Fat Go Capsule states, “Take 2 capsules twice a day. This helps in converting excess fat into energy”, and for Jolly FatGo Oil claims, “If you are troubled by ‘stretch marks’, ‘hanging paunch’, ‘loose paunch’, “Apply the oil on paunch and thigh and massage gently with light hands, before going to bed in the night” and “we firmly believe that you would see excellent results in few weeks”, were not substantiated with product details and proof of efficacy and were grossly misleading.

1. Dindayal Industries Limited (303 capsules): The claims in the advertisement pertaining to the benefits of the product such as “Mardanagi se lais. Effect starts from the first day” and “mixture that makes you much more manly” read in conjunction with a qualifier on the pack that the product is “for men only”, implies that the product is meant for enhancement of sexual pleasure, which is in breach of the law as it violates The Drugs & Magic Remedies Act.

1. SBS Biotech (Roop Mantra Ayurvedic Cream, Capsules & Herbal Face Wash): The claim in the advertisement (in Hindi) as translated into English, “Helpful in protecting from: Dark complexion, scars, wrinkles, pimples and dull skin’, was not substantiated.   Also, the claims were misleading.

1. Hindustan Unilever Ltd (Clinic Plus Shampoo): The advertisement’s claim, “Clinic Plus has such a protein element, which the body cannot produce. It nourishes hair roots and makes hair up to 35X more strong”, was not substantiated, and was misleading.

1. Dr Mohana’s Hair Transplant Centre (Hair Transplant): The claims in the advertisement (in Hindi) as translated into English, “You will nowhere else get the benefit of the treatment of hairplant you get here”, “Re-establishing of hair by advanced technological method in a natural way”, “Scientific procedure without incision or stitching”, “High density mega special [30000] 6000 hairs in one day”, were not substantiated and were misleading by exaggeration.  Also, the visuals showing the images of before and after the treatment were misleading.

1. Jamna Pharmaceuticals (J.P.007 Tablet): The claims in the advertisement (in Hindi) as translated into English, “make every night pleasant and enjoyable”, “By taking J.P.007 Tablet daily your will experience strength, stamina and vigour with complete satisfaction daily” were not substantiated with product efficacy data and were misleading.  Also, specific claims related to the benefits of the product, “make every night pleasant and enjoyable” (har raatko kijeeye mastani aur suhaani), “By taking J.P.007 Tablet daily your will experience strength, stamina and vigour with complete satisfaction daily” (Rojkijeeye chusti, phurti and josh ke saath sampoorn sukh ka anubhav), imply that the product is meant for enhancement of sexual pleasure, which is in breach of the law as it violates The Drugs & Magic Remedies Act.

1. Jamna Pharmaceuticals (Orgy Massage Oil): The claims in the advertisement (in Hindi),  as translated into English, “Orgy Massage oil- Keshar Yukt for Men”, “remove the deficiency of erection for men”, “make it big- your height, in their gaze, use of JP 007 tablet for instant and permanent benefit”,  were not substantiated and were misleading.  In the context of massage oil, the claims “Bada kar de”, “Jagaye aap ke andar ka mard” read in conjunction with the pack visual, implies that the product is meant for enhancement of sexual pleasure, which is in breach of the law as it violates The Drugs & Magic Remedies Act.

1. SBS Biotech (Rajsee Ayurvedic Capsules): The claims in the advertisement (in Gujarati) as translated in English, “If there is loss of stamina due to aging, childhood mistakes, bad company or sugar,  just One course for 21 days” and “Rajsee capsule the most reliable supportive medicine”,  were not substantiated and were misleading.

1. TVC LifeSciences Limited (Remesol): The claims in the advertisement (in Hindi) as translated into English, “Herbal with base in the Himalayas”, “a clinical trial conducted by a US hospital has proved that Remesol is an extremely effective pain reliever for longstanding pains” and “Remesol had reduced all kinds of inflammation and pains in American patients in a matter of two or three weeks in a surprising manner”, were not substantiated and were misleading.

1. Dindayal Industries Limited (303 Capsule, 303 Gold Power Oil, Shilajit Power Capsules): The claims in the advertisement (in Hindi) as translated into English, “303 Capsules – receive in 10 days old spirit”,  “The 303 capsule every night gives manliness and full pledged spirit to men”,  “The 303 Gold Power Oil gives men strength, power and stamina” and  “Shilajit Power capsule, when taken every morning, boosts stamina and energy”, were not substantiated with product efficacy data and were misleading.  Also, the claims read in conjunction with wordings such as “only for men”, imply that the products are meant for enhancement of sexual pleasure, which is in breach of the law as it violates The Drugs & Magic Remedies Act.

1. Dindayal Industries Ltd. (Shilajit Power Capsules): The claim in the advertisement (in Gujarati) as translated into English, “Shilajit Power Capsules – One capsule every morning boosts stamina, energy and vigour”, was not substantiated with product efficacy data.  The claim, “303 Capsules – India’s No.1 energy booster”, was not substantiated with market leadership data.  Also, the claims were misleading. The claims pertaining to the benefits of the product read in conjunction with advertisement headline and a qualifier on the pack that the product is for men only implies that the product is meant for enhancement of sexual pleasure, which is in breach of the law as it violates The Drugs & Magic Remedies Act.

1. Dindayal Industries Ltd. (Rangoli Tablet): The claims in the advertisement (in Gujarati) as translated into English, “The best energy booster for women”,  “An effective energy booster with the power of gold, silver, pearl and saffron and prepared with special ingredients known since centuries”, were not substantiated with product efficacy data.  Also, the claims were misleading.  The advertisement visual showing an energy capsule for men only and visual of a couple in intimate position implies that the products are meant for enhancement of sexual pleasure, which is in breach of the law as it violates The Drugs & Magic Remedies Act.

1. Meghdoot Herbal Gramodyog Sewa Sansthan (Meghdoot Maha Bhrangraj Oil): The advertisement’s claim, “Ayurvedic medication claims to cure baldness, headache, eyesight”, was not substantiated and was misleading.

1. Johnson & Johnson Ltd. (Benadryl DR): The advertisement’s claim, “sookhi khansi ko dobara aane se roke” (meaning – ‘stops dry cough from reoccurring’) is an absolute claim and was not substantiated.  Also, the claim does not covey a “suppressive” action and is misleading by exaggeration.

FOOD & BEVERAGES:

1. Somabhai Tea Processors Pvt. Ltd. (Special Patti -Premium CTC Leaf Tea and Number 10 – CTC Leaf Tea): The advertisement of Special Patti -Premium CTC Leaf Tea and Number 10 – CTC Leaf Tea mentions a scheme on purchase of the product and states the total number of previous winners for this scheme. The advertisement does not mention the details of the scheme, nor does it mention whether the coupons are given on each purchase of the tea pack or is available when two or more packs are purchased at one time. Thus, the advertisement was misleading by omission of the details of this scheme.  The advertiser has not stated clearly all material conditions so as to enable the consumer to obtain a true and fair view of their prospects in such activities.

1. Som Fragrances Pvt. Ltd. (Dilbagh Pan Masala): The advertisement is misleading by omission of a statutory cautionary message/warning via super, stating that, “Pan Masala is injurious to health and cannot be purchased or used by minors”.

1. G K Tobacco Co Pvt. Ltd. (Zafri Pan Masala): The advertisement features Samir Soni – a celebrity from the field of cinema for a product which has a health warning that it is injurious to health and cannot be purchased or used by minors. As minors are very likely to be exposed to the TVC, the celebrity in the advertisement would have a significant influence on minors who are likely to emulate the celebrity in using the product. Also, the supers/statutory warning in the Hindi TVC were not in the same language as the audio of the TVC and were also not clearly legible.

1. Ratnasagar Herbals Pvt. Ltd. (Joy Honey & Almonds Nourishing Lotion): The visual depicted in the advertisement, of a baby being fed in a bottle seen in conjunction with the claim of “Poshan” implicitly promotes bottle feeding.

1. Kamla Kant & Company LLP (Rajshree Pan Masala): The advertisement (Anti-dowry theme) features Anu Kapoor – a celebrity from the field of cinema for a product which has a health warning “Pan Masala is injurious to health” and which cannot be purchased or used by minors. As minors are very likely to be exposed to the advertisement, the celebrity in the advertisement would have a significant influence on minors who are likely to emulate the celebrity in using the product.

1. Kamla Kant & Company LLP (Rajshree Pan Masala): The advertisement (Girl Child themed features Anu Kapoor – a celebrity from the field of cinema for a product which has a health warning “Pan Masala is injurious to health” and which cannot be purchased or used by minors. As minors are very likely to be exposed to the advertisement, the celebrity in the advertisement would have a significant influence on minors who are likely to emulate the celebrity in using the product.

1. DJ Group (Pan Bahar Pan Masala & Pan Bahar Crystal Pan Masala): The advertisement features Saif Ali Khan – a celebrity from the field of cinema for a product which has a health warning “Pan Masala is injurious to health” and which cannot be purchased or used by minors. As minors are very likely to be exposed to the advertisement, the celebrity in the advertisement would have a significant influence on minors who are likely to emulate the celebrity in using the product. The supers/statutory warning were not clearly legible and hold duration of the supers was not adequate.

1. ITC Ltd. (Aashirvaad Multigrain Atta): The advertisement’s claim, “India’s No. 1 Atta”, is misleading by ambiguity as the claim support was for the mother brand Aashirvaad whereas the advertised product was only one variant i.e. Aashirvaad Atta with Multigrains. Also, the disclaimer was not as per NIELSEN criteria.

1. Patanjali Ayurved Ltd. (Patanjali Kachi Ghani Mustard Oil): The advertisement’s claims, “Other than Kacchi Ghani process most of the other edible refined oils and mustard oil are made using neurotoxin Hexagon solvent extraction process.  To make profits at the cost of consumers’ health many companies mix cheap palm oil in mustard oil”, were not substantiated and the claims were misleading. The statement also unfairly denigrates other oils / mustard oil.

1. Gemini Edibles & Fats India Private Limited (Freedom Rice Bran Oil): The claims in the advertisement (in Hindi), “Naya Freedom Rice Bran Oil hai physically refined….yaani…  Yaani, jyada… Oryzanol…, Oryzanol… jo bad cholestrol ghataye aur good cholestrol badaye”, “Aur iska fat profile bhi balanced hai. Matlab yeh heart ke liye acha hai na?”, “Aur less absorbant bhi hai”, “Isme hain more Oryzanol, matlab …. …more health” and “Super 10,000+ PPM Oryzanol, Balance Fat Profile, 15% less Absorbent”, were not substantiated.  Also, the advertisement is misleading in the absence of supers/disclaimers.

EDUCATION

The CCC found following claims in the advertisements by 32 different advertisers were not substantiated and, thus, violated ASCI Guidelines for Advertising of Educational Institutions. Hence complaints against these advertisements were UPHELD.

1. Shri Ram Murti Smarak International Business School: The advertisement’s claims, “Salary Package – 2011-13 – Minimum: 3.00 Average: 4.00, 2012-14 – Minimum: 3.22 Average: 4.20”, “% of Placements at the end of the Trimester (2012-14) – IVth Trimester – 52% Vth Trimester – 24% VIth Trimester – 24%” and “100% Placement assistance”, were not substantiated.  Also, the claim, “100% Placement assistance”, was likely to mislead the consumers that the advertiser is giving 100% assistance for placements.

1. Saveetha School of Management: The advertisement’s claim, “Dynamic corporate relationship for 100% placements”, was not substantiated with supporting data.  Also, the claim was misleading by ambiguity in the absence of disclaimer/qualifier.

1. Jaipuria Institute of Management: The advertisement’s claim, “Near 100% Placement with average package of Rs.5.68 lac and highest package of Rs.13 lac”, was not substantiated with authentic data.  Also, the claim of “Near 100% Placement” was misleading by ambiguity in the absence of disclaimer/qualifier.

1. TathaGat (One-Year Classroom Program): The advertisement’s claim, “The Best MBA Entrance Preparatory Institute in Delhi”, was concluded to be an absolute claim and was not substantiated with comparative data to prove how their institute is better than all other institutes and the claim was misleading by exaggeration. Also, the claim, “Total 500 students enrolled for CAT-15”, was not substantiated with supporting data.

1. IMS Learning Resources Pvt. Ltd. (IMS Clat 16/17): The advertisement’s claim, “Aswij Ramaiah as AIR rank 1 in NLU-D 2012 exam”, was not substantiated with authentic data to prove that he was an IMS student and was considered to be misleading. Also, the claim, “2000 selections in NLUs so far”, was not substantiated.

1. ICBM-School of Business Excellence: The advertisement’s claim, “Highest Salary 6.2 L & Avg Salary 3.6 L”, was not substantiated with evidence to prove that the individual students were indeed given the salary offer. Further the claim in the advertisement, “100% Placements”, was not substantiated with details of batch size, enrolment forms, appointment letters and contact details of the students who got placements, for verification and was considered to be misleading by ambiguity.

1. Indus Business Academy: The advertisement’s claim, “5.4 Lacs Average CTC”, was not substantiated and was misleading.

1. Holy Grace Academy of Management Studies: The advertisement’s claim, “Highest Placement in India in 2007 Batch. Rs.1 Crore Annum”, was not substantiated adequately and was misleading by exaggeration.

1. Indira Institute of Management: The advertisement’s claim, “Average Salary Package Rs.5 Lacs per annum (Highest salary Rs.8 lacs per annum)”, was not substantiated and was misleading.

1. Institute of Health Management Research (IIHMR): The advertisement’s claim, “An average Package of 6 lakhs and highest package of 12 lakhs”, was not substantiated adequately. Also, the claim was misleading by ambiguity about the job location and corresponding salary in foreign currency.

1. Manipal University Jaipur: The advertisement’s claim, “Average Package 4.45 Lakhs”, was not substantiated and was misleading.

1. Faculty of Management Studies – Institute of Rural Management: The advertisement’s claims, “100% Placement Record” and “Highest Package 2015 SBI Escorts @ Rs.9.0 Lacs”, were not substantiated and were misleading.

1. Institute of Management Research & Technology: The advertisement’s claim, “Highest Salary 5.5 Lac Avg. Salary 2.2 Lac”, was not substantiated and was misleading.

1. Jaipuria Institute of Management (Jaipuria MBA): The advertisement’s claims, “Get assured 100% placement in TOP NOTCH Company by 160+recruiters” and “Jaipuria MBA provides 100% ROI with Rs.9.6 Lacs highest package and Rs.4.5 Lacs average package”, were not substantiated and were misleading.

1. Mangalmay Institute of Management & Technology: The advertisement’s claim, “The average salary for MBA placements in Delhi NCR, Noida and Greater Noida has been Rs.4.5 Lacs p.a.”, was not substantiated with supporting data and is misleading by ambiguity.

1. Jagannath University: The advertisement’s claim, “100% Placement Assistance”, and “Package upto 6 lacs”, were not substantiated.  Also, the claim, “100% Placement Assistance” is likely to mislead the consumers as it implies that the advertiser gives assistance for 100% placement. Also, as assistance cannot be a quantifiable measure and could have a wide range of modalities, the claim was misleading by ambiguity.

1. IMS Learning Resources Pvt. Ltd (CAT 2016): The advertisement’s claim, “Leaders in Test Prep since 1977”, was not substantiated and was misleading by ambiguity in the absence of disclaimer/qualifier.

1. Triumphant Institute of Management Education P. Ltd (CAT 2015 Results): The advertisement’s claim, “TIME Jaipur Student is the CAT State Topper – 8th Year in a Row”, had no conclusive evidence for the claim. The claim was also misleading by ambiguity, as from the claim of eight years, clear 100 percentile has not been achieved by the TIME students for all the eight years and CAT does not release any state / city rank or percentile.

1. Mahendra Education Pvt Ltd: The advertisement’s claim, “Total Selection 205622”, was not substantiated and was misleading.

1. MATS Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship: The advertisement’s claim, “Highest Package Offered – International – 28 Lakhs / annum – Domestic- 15 Lakhs / annum”, was not substantiated with evidence to prove that the individual students were indeed given the salary offer and was misleading.

Complaints against advertisements of all educational institutes listed below mostly are UPHELD because of unsubstantiated claims that they ‘provide 100% placement/AND/OR they claim to be the No.1 in their respective fields’.

Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Bhubaneshwar Kendra- Bhavan’s Centre for Communication and Management (BCCM), Mar Athanasios College for Advanced Studies Tiruvalla, LEAD College of Management, Institute of Health Management Research, Gitam School of International Business, D.J. Academy for Managerial Excellence, JK Lakshmipat University, Dr.D.Y Patil Vidyapeeth Global Business School & Research Centre, Jain Institute of Management & Entrepreneurship, Community Institute of Management Studies, M.S. Ramaiah Institute of Management and Asian School of Business Management.

OTHERS

1. SIFYTNVAT (Sify Technologies): The claim in the advertisement, “Tamilnadu Commercial Tax announced digital signature is mandatory for Sales Tax Filing from March 20, 2016”, was false and misleading, as digital signature is not mandatory for filing tax returns as per TNVAT new guidelines.

1. Ashok Nandavanam Properties Pvt. Ltd. (Ashok Nandavanam): The statement in the advertisement, “your father has not bothered to give us a free Car gift for our marriage”, by implication, encourages dowry and is in violation of The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961.

1. Castrol India Ltd. (Castrol Active Scooter Oil): In the advertisement, two scenes show the vehicle overtaking on the wrong side and portrays violation of traffic rules and encourage unsafe practices.

1. Rupa & Company Ltd. (Euro Fashions Inners Cool Casuals): The visuals in the advertisement depicting, “a woman’s breast” were vulgar and indecent. Also, the reference to “For you, it’s free” was considered to be sexually suggestive, objectifying a woman and in the light of generally prevailing standards of decency and propriety, the advertisement was considered likely to cause grave and widespread offence to general public.

1. com, Inc (Amazon-Return Policy): The advertiser’s website communication provides the terms and conditions applicable for the claim “Easy Returns”. However, the TVC does not have any reference to terms and conditions. The claim “Easy Returns” was therefore misleading by omission of an appropriate disclaimer in the TVC.

1. Rajnish Hot Deals Pvt. Ltd. (Play Win Capsule): The claims in the advertisement read in conjunction with the pack visual and the advertisement visual implies that the product is meant for enhancement of sexual pleasure, which is in breach of the law as it violates The Drugs & Magic Remedies Act.

1. Kerala Fashion Jewellery (KFJ): The reference in the advertisement, to daughters of marriageable age being “tension” derides gender and is derogatory for a girl child. The advertisement also has an implied reference to the practice of “Dowry”, which is in violation of The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961.

1. India Webportal Private Limited (BGR Media LLC): The advertisement’s claim, “BGR.IN No.1 Tech Site”, was not substantiated and was misleading.

1. Jasper Infotech P. Ltd (Snapdeal.com – Mobile Accessories Mela): The advertisement’s claim, “Snapdeal Accessories Mela – Flash sale at just Rs.11/-”, was inadequately substantiated and was misleading by ambiguity. The advertiser could have provided evidence such as consumer’s details, telephone nos of consumers, or audited data, for verification.

1. Kalyan Jewellers: The advertisement’s claim, “Kalyan Jewellers is the biggest jewellery showroom in the world”, was not substantiated with comparative data versus other similar showrooms and was misleading by exaggeration.

1. Coolpad Communications Private Ltd (Coolpad Note 3 Lite): The advertisement’s claims, “Coolpad Note 3 lite is made in India” and “Coolpad Note 3 will be available in black and white variant in upcoming flash sale on 25th February” was false and misleading.

1. Saturday Sunday Media Internet Pvt Ltd (Bookmyoffer.com): The advertisement’s claim, “Rayban Aviator with 3 pairs of Branded Socks” was not substantiated and was misleading.

1. Just Dial Limited (Just Dial): The advertisement’s claim, “JD Verified” implies that the advertiser himself has verified the business establishment for certain parameters and are giving their stamp of approval; whereas the advertiser has put this responsibility on the business establishment and has accepted their declarations as such, without any checks from their side. Regardless of the disclaimer or “Terms of Use for Information Dissemination”, the claim was therefore misleading by ambiguity and implication, giving a wrong sense of security to the viewer / customer.

1. Chips Express Pvt. Ltd. (Chips International Courier): In the advertisement – handbill depicting logos of DHL, FedEx and UPS is misleading by ambiguity as the advertiser has not substantiated any connection between their company and the other courier services. Also, the claims in Gujarati (as translated into English) – “one and only best and trustworthy place” when read in conjunction with the three logos implies that the advertiser’s service is better than these companies, was misleading and contravened the ASCI Codes.

1. GM Infinite Dwelling India Pvt Ltd (GM Infinite-e city town): The advertisement’s claim, “Possession already started”, was not substantiated and was misleading.  As the Club House is under construction, the picture shown of a Club House was misleading by omission of an appropriate disclaimer.

1. TVC Sky Shop Limited (Rashi Ratna): The claims in the advertisement (in Hindi) as translated into English, “If you wear big Rashi Ratna, stalled works get done and source of wealth opens. So we are giving you excessively big, natural, beautiful 11.25 .Rati Rashi Ratna in just Rs. 1999 along with Change your Fortune Guide. Anyone who wears it as per the guide he will definitely get success. Wear the big Rashi Ratna and experience a complete life of health, happiness, property and prosperity”, were false, not substantiated, misleading by exaggeration, and the advertisement  exploits the consumers’ lack of knowledge and is likely to lead to grave or widespread disappointment in the minds of consumers.

1. Ajanta Manufacturing Limited (OREVA Group) (Ajanta Digital Clock): In the advertisement, the price quoted (Rs.880) of Ajanta white digital clock was false and misleading, as the actual MRP of the product was Rs. 695.

1. Patanjali Ayurved Ltd. (Patanjali Herbal Washing Powder, Cake and Dishwash Bar): The claims in the advertisement (in Gujarati) as translated into English, “Millions of housewives’ choice, Patanjali Dishwash Bar”, were not substantiated. Further, the claim of “herbal washing powder, cake and Dishwash bar” was not substantiated with data regarding which herbal ingredients in the product provide the cleaning benefit and evidence for the same and so the claim was misleading by ambiguity.  Also, the claim, “Dish wash bars made with chemicals do clean the utensils but they end up damaging the hands”, was not substantiated and unfairly denigrates dish wash bars directly.