Marketing Professional Sandeep Goyal Argues for Government Control Over Surrogate Advertisements in Court Debate
Article:
Sandeep Goyal, the managing director of Rediffusion Brand Solutions, has initiated a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, advocating for a regulatory body overseeing surrogate advertising. The litigation underscores violations of regulatory guidelines, pointing to the Cable Television Network Rules of 1994 and the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act of 2003, with examples from advertisements by popular brands, such as Vimal Elaichi and Pan Bahar.
Celebrity endorsements and airing of these ads during major events like the Indian Premier League have sparked concerns regarding their misleading nature, potentially promoting restricted products to the populace, particularly the youth. The Punjab and Haryana High Court has acknowledged the PIL, issuing notices to the Central Government, Central Consumer Protection Authority, and Central Board of Film Certification, indicating serious public health implications.
Central figures in the case include Sandeep Goyal, who filed the PIL through advocate Aadil Singh Boparai, and the high court's Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sumeet Goel. The central authorities referenced in the notices are yet to respond to the litigation.
The Advertising Standards Council of India plays a significant role as the petition calls for stricter enforcement of existing laws and advocates for a more robust government-led regulatory framework to monitor and address misleading advertisements in real-time.
Sources:[1] The Economic Times, 30 May 2025, "Sandeep Goyal Files PIL in Punjab and Haryana High Court Over Surrogate Advertising"[2] India Today, 30 May 2025, "Rediffusion Brand Solutions MD Files PIL Against Surrogate Advertising in High Court"[3] Business Standard, 30 May 2025, "Sandeep Goyal Launches Legal Battle Against Surrogate Advertising"[4] Live Law, 30 May 2025, "Public Interest Litigation Filed Seeking Real-Time Regulation of Surrogate Advertisements"
The Advertising Standards Council of India plays a significant role in the ongoing legal battle, as the petition calls for stricter enforcement of existing advertising laws and advocates for a more robust government-led regulatory framework to combat misleading advertisements. This issue is rooted in public health concerns, as the Punjab and Haryana High Court has acknowledged a PIL filed by Sandeep Goyal, pointing out violations in regulatory guidelines. The litigation's implications extend beyond the advertising industry, with potential consequences for finance, business, health, and wellness sectors, particularly when considering the youth demographic potentially impacted by these misleading advertisements. The news of this development has been covered extensively in leading financial and business news outlets, such as The Economic Times, India Today, Business Standard, and Live Law.
