The Consumer Complaint Council (CCC) received 30 complaints in August, 2012, out of which it upheld 23 complaints. During the same period, the CCC did not uphold complaints against seven advertisements.
ADVERTISER
AD
Complaint Cited
Ruling
CCC
Hindustan Unilever
Rin detergent powder
The TVC claims that “only Rin has yellow fighters that brighten dull yellow clothes”.
Upheld
The advertisement contravened Chapters I.1 and I.4 of the Code
Pepsodent Germicheck Magnet
As per the complainant, the Pepsodent Germicheck pack that he brought which was 200g for Rs. 64/- had an offer of Pepsodent G 40g free. The free 40g toothpaste is not Pepsodent G, which is better quality toothpaste, but the free 40g toothpaste is also Pepsodent Germicheck.
The CCC concluded that whilst an offer of Pepsodent G 40 gms free was made, what was given along with the pack was Pepsodent Germicheck. The promotion message on the pack was misleading and contravened Chapter I.4 of the Code.
HT Media
Hindustan ki Lehar
The advertiser claimed that Hindustan ki Lehar “has a circulation of 12 Lakh copies”
The CCC concluded that the claim, “Hindustan has a circulation of 12 Lakh copies”, was not substantiated by an independent research organization. The advertisement contravened Chapter I.1 of the Code.
Divya Bhaskar Group
Divya Marathi
The promotional material of the advertiser claimed that Divya Marathi has 5 editions (in Aurangabad, Nashik, Jalgaon, Ahmednagar, and Solapur) which are the “No.1 dailies by circulation”
The CCC concluded that the claim of Divya Marathi being “the No. 1 daily” was not substantiated by an independent research organization. The publicity material contravened Chapter I.1 of the Code.
Twice the readership in Bhatinda
Dainik Bhaskar has claimed that “their readership is twice that of competition in Bhatinda city”.
The CCC concluded that the claim that, “Dainik Bhaskar’s readership is twice the readership of the competition in Bhatinda city”, was not substantiated by an independent research organization. The advertisement contravened Chapter.I.1 of the Code.
Ahead in readership in Patiala
Dainik Bhaskar has claimed that “their readership is 20% more than that of the competition in Patiala city”.
The CCC concluded that the claim that, “Dainik Bhaskar’s readership is 20% more than that of the competition in Patiala city”, was not substantiated by an independent research organization. The advertisement contravened Chapter I.1 of the Code.
CavinKare
Fairever Fairness Cream
The advertiser claims that Fairever Fairness has a natural fairness system with saffron, milk and wheat germ oil that prevents skin from darkening and gives clear smooth skin.
The CCC concluded that the claim, “the cream prevents the skin from darkening”, was not substantiated. The advertisement contravened Chapter I.1of the Code.
Ultratech India
18 Again – Vaginal Tightening and Rejuvenation Cream
"18 Again’’ claims vaginal tightening and rejuvenation of the vagina and it says “Feels like a virgin”. The TVC also shows an old lady ordering the product. The entire TVC represents vulgarity, in light of the generally prevailing standards of decency and propriety, which would cause widespread offence particularly among women.
The CCC concluded that the advertisement contravened Chapter II of the Code.
EMDI Institute of Media & Communication
EMDI Institute
The print ad claimed that EMDI is “India's Largest Media Institute”.
The CCC concluded that the claim that EMDI is “India's Largest Media Institute” was not substantiated. The advertisement contravened Chapter I.1 of the Code.
TVC Sky Shop
Dr. Slim Tea
The print advertisement claimed that Slim Tea being an herbal tea can help lose weight effectively. It can improve your immune system”, “Shed kilos of extra fat, weight and inches”.
The CCC concluded that the claims made in the advertisement and cited in the complaint were not substantiated with clinical trials. The advertisement contravened Chapter I.1 of the Code.
Full Gliding LG Touch Screen
The complainant ordered an LG mobile phone from TVC Skyshop Ltd. in May 2012 for a special offer price of Rs.5890/- plus Rs.250/- for delivery charges. The phone was delivered two weeks later but the phone supplied was not an LG phone but some other brand. The touch screen was not working properly and the QWERTY key pad numbers were not functional. The pouch supplied did not fit the phone.
The CCC concluded that the mention of the LG logo contravened Chapter IV.2 of the Code – “Advertisements should not make unjustifiable use of the name or initials of any other firm, company or institution, nor take unfair advantage of the goodwill attached to the trademark, or symbol of another firm”.
Lida Biotech
Lida Slimming Pills
The print advertisement conveys that one pill a day, with no need of exercise and diet can help lose 8-15 kg and 30 inches all over the body without any side effects.
The CCC concluded that the claims made in the advertisement and cited in the complaint were not substantiated. The advertisement contravened Chapter I.1 of the Code.
NIFE Institute Of Engineering
The advertiser claims that NIFE (Institute of Fire Engineering) have provided jobs for 3000 to 4000 students per year.
The CCC concluded that the claim mentioned in the advertisement was substantiated to the extent of around 3000 students employed whereas the range of students mentioned was a wide range of 3000 to 4000 students per year, which is misleading. The advertisement contravened Chapter I.4 of the Code.
Global Heart Foundation
The advertiser claims treatment within 35 hours without Angiography, Bypass or stent Angioplasty. Enhanced External counter pulsation therapy (EECP) and Natural Bypass is done without operation, and diagnosis.
The CCC concluded that the claims mentioned in the advertisement and cited in the complaint were not substantiated adequately. The advertisement contravened Chapter I.1 of the Code.
Sigma Institute Of Management & Technology
Diploma in Hotel Management
The advertiser claims that Sigma Institute of Management & Technology gives 100% Job Placement in 5 Star Hotels or 200% Money Back Guarantee.
The CCC concluded that the claim of “100% Job Placement in 5 Star Hotels or 200% Money Back Guarantee” was not substantiated. The advertisement contravened Chapter I.1 of the Code.
Brad Enterprises
Brad Eye Glass Remover
The advertisement claims, “Remove eyeglass with 100% Ayurvedic eye drops”, “Helps reduce eyeglass 0.5 per month”, “Helps remove cataract without operation”, “Helps diabetes patients, darkness”, “No side effect”. The Website claims “Cure various eye problems with 100% Ayurvedic eye drops by reducing eyeglass number” and “Improve eye vision”.
Sistema Shyam Teleservices
MTS Mblaze
The advertiser claims to be India's Fastest Internet service provider.
The CCC concluded that in the absence of comparative data, the claim “India’s Fastest Internet service provider” was not substantiated. The advertisement contravened Chapter I.1 of the Code.
Telebrands India
Chimaxx Daily Walke
The advertisement claims that with Chimaxx Daily Walker one can “lose weight lying down without exercise, diet, jog or taking pills”, “Fights Diabetes, Blood Pressure and helps lose weight”.
The CCC concluded that in the absence of scientific proof the claim that, “with Chimaxx Daily Walker, one can lose weight lying down without exercise and that it fights diabetes & blood pressure” was not substantiated. The advertisement contravened Chapter I.1 of the Code.
Nirmeeti Health Care
Obecu Capsule
The advertisement claims that Obecu capsule helps “Tummy Tuck and reduce weight”, “No dieting, No exercise, No side effect”.
M S Ramaiah Institute Of Technology
100% Placement in 2011-12
The claim, “100% Placement in 2011-12”, seems exaggerated.
The CCC concluded that the claims made in the advertisement and cited in the complaint were not substantiated. The advertisement contravened Chapter 4 (e) of ASCI Guidelines for Advertising of Educational Institutions & Programs and Chapter I.1 of the ASCI Code.
Escorts Limited
Farmtrac 40 Tractor
As per the complaint, there is a wrong interpretation of the concerned product feature. The advertisement compares wheel base of the 2 tractors, and claims that Farmtrac 40’s slightly longer wheel base provides better stability in haulage work.
The CCC concluded that the comparison of the two tractors on only a few factors is likely to mislead consumers that the Advertiser’s product is better than the complainant’s. The advertisement was misleading by omission and contravened Chapter I.4 of the Code.
Bhopa Sahakari Dugdh Sangh Maryadit
Sanchi Namkin & Sada Matta
The print ad claims that Sanchi Namkin and Sada Matta “improves immunity power”, “decreases heat”, “improves digestive System”, “provides minerals”, “helps to reduce weight”, “prevents you from bacteria of cancer”.
The CCC concluded that the claims made in the advertisement and cited in the complaint were not substantiated with clinical proof. The advertisement contravened Chapter I.1 of the Code.
Mangalaytan University
The advertisement claims that Mangalayatan University is “The Best Emerging University in India”, “Over 85 of India's leading companies have already made over 450 offers to MU students”, “Highest offer of rupees 5, 68000/- and overall placements of 85% & MBA 96%.”
During the month of August, the CCC also received complaints against seven print advertisements:that of Whirlpool Cooking Appliances, Massey Ferguson Tractors, Hemor Rite, Metro Group of Hospitals, Graphic Era University, Best Brown Rice, Mohak Hi-tech Speciality Hospital. However, as these advertisements did not contravene ASCI’s codes or guidelines, the complaints were not upheld.
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