New Delhi, Dec 12 (DHNS): The Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry on Monday asked all television channels to telecast advertisements of condoms only between 10 pm and 6 am so as to avoid "exposure of such material" to children.
It also threatened to take action against channels not complying with its directive.
The order comes after the ministry received several complaints that some channels "repeatedly" showed condom advertisements which were "indecent" for children.
"All TV channels are hereby advised not to telecast advertisements of condoms which are for a particular age group and could be indecent or inappropriate for viewing by children," the ministry said in its advisory.
The ministry referred to Clause 7 (7) of the cable Television Networks Rules, 1994, to justify its directive, saying it stipulates: "No advertisement which endangers the safety of children or creates in them any interest in unhealthy practices or shows them begging or in an undignified or indecent manner shall be carried in the cable service."
"Any failure will attract action as per provisions of the rules," the ministry said.