Govt notice to TV channels on Axe Deodarant ad

New Delhi, Aug 22 (UNI) Television news channels have drawn flak from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for telecasting the advertisement of 'Axe Dark Temptation Deodarant' and they have been asked to withdraw the advertisement.

In a note sent to the Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF), the Minstry said the contents of the advertisement were ''indecent, vulgar and repulsive''.

It said the foundation should tell its members not to telecast the Axe deodarant advertisement or any other such ads, otherwise they would invite punishment.

The Ministry has also requested the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) to provide details of complaints recieved and action taken by the Consumer Complaints Council aganst the advertisement of the Axe deodarant.

It said that if no formal complaint had been recieved, the letter of the Ministry itself should be treated as one and appropriate action taken.

Looking into the sensitivity of the issue involved, the ASCI has been requested, as an interim measure, to advise the advertiser not to air the advertisement pending any decision of the Consumer Council.

UNI NAZ RJ BD2216