Ads would only be allowed late at night as they could be inappropriate viewing for children
Highlights
- Centre said decision based on rules to protect children
- Health professionals say people still embarrassed to shop for condoms
- Ads only late night as they could be inappropriate viewing for kids
The government imposed restrictions on Monday on advertising condoms on television, saying ads would only be allowed late at night as they could be inappropriate viewing for children.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said condom advertisements will now be allowed only
between 10 pm and 6 am to avoid exposing children to such material and to comply with government rules.
The ministry told all television channels in an advisory "not to telecast the advertisements of condoms, which are for a particular age group and could be indecent/inappropriate for viewing by children".
The government said its decision was based on rules stating that no advertisements which "endanger the safety of children or create in them any interest in unhealthy practices" should be allowed. It also cited regulations that prohibit "indecent, vulgar, suggestive, repulsive or offensive themes".
Talking openly about sex and contraception is still largely taboo. Health professionals say social norms mean many men and women are still embarrassed to shop for condoms.
The government provides free condoms under its community-based AIDS prevention programme, but several brands -- including Durex condoms of Britain's Reckitt Benckiser -- are widely available, with some endorsed by Bollywood actors.
(Reporting by Aditya Kalra and Tony Tharakan; Editing by Tom Lasseter and Catherine Evans) © Thomson Reuters 2017