Jio, Paytm apologise for using PM’s image

Telecom company Reliance Jio and digital wallet Paytm have apologised for the “inadvertent mistake” in the usage of Prime Minister Narendra Modi photographs in their advertisements, the government informed Parliament on Friday.

The ministry of consumer affairs had sent notices to the two companies under the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act of 1950, which bars use of the PM’s name and picture for commercial use.

“Clarifications were sought by the department of consumer affairs from Paytm and Reliance Jio wherein they have apologised for their inadvertent mistake,” said CR Chaudhary, junior consumer affairs minister, in a written reply to Rajya Sabha.

The companies used the photograph of Modi in full-page print ads contravening the “prior permission” stipulated under law, he said. Based on the department’s request, the information and broadcasting ministry issued an advisory to print media to check permission from the competent authority before issuing any ad wherein the emblem and names specified under the act are mentioned.

Responding to a query whether there is any mechanism to approve use of the PM’s photo by private firms or if the government plans to introduce one, the minister informed that a committee examines such proposals. Section 3 of the act provides that no person shall use or continue to use any name or emblem for the purpose of any trade, business, calling or profession without permission of the Centre.