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ASCI upholds complaints against 84 out of 95 ads in August 2014

Out of 84 advertisements against which complaints were upheld, 41 belonged to Personal and Healthcare categories, followed by the Education category with 25 advertisements

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ASCI upholds complaints against 84 out of 95 ads in August 2014

Out of 84 advertisements against which complaints were upheld, 41 belonged to Personal and Healthcare categories, followed by the Education category with 25 advertisements

BestMediaInfo Bureau | Mumbai | November 3, 2014

asci-logoIn August 2014, ASCI's Consumer Complaints Council (CCC) upheld complaints against 84 out of 95 advertisements. Out of 84 advertisements against which complaints were upheld, 41 belonged to Personal and Healthcare categories, followed by the Education category with 25 advertisements.

Health and Personal Care

The CCC found the following claims in health and personal care product or service advertisements of 41 advertisers, released in the press to be either misleading or false or not adequately/scientifically substantiated and hence violating ASCI's Code. Some of the health care products or services ads also contravened provisions of the Drug & Magic Remedies Act, Chapter 1.1 and III.4 of the ASCI Code. Complaints against the following ads were UPHELD.

1. Sanjeev Cancer Hospital: The advertisement of Sanjeev Cancer Hospital claims successful treatment of cancer with the help of rare ayurvedic herbs for patients who have undergone radiation and chemotherapy. It further claims successful treatment of uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, brain tumour, cervical lymph, blood cancer, breast cancer, mouth and throat cancer and all types of cancer.

2. Dr. Arora's Clinic Private Limited: The website and TVC advertisement of Dr. Arora's Clinic Private Limited claims to provide solutions to all sexual health problems like Erectile Dysfunction, Premature Ejaculation, Penis Size, No Interest in Sex, Pain while having sex etc., and that it is India's No.1 Online Sexual Health Consultation website. The advertisement shows a real doctor promoting the clinic which is in violation of the Medical Council of India (MCI) Code of Medical Ethics Regulation, Clause 6.1.

3. Jinga Gold (JingaPlus Herbal Capsules): The advertisement of Jinga Plus Herbal Capsules claims to solve erectile dysfunction with consumption of just one capsule.

4. Shathayu Ayurveda: The website of Shathayu Ayurveda claims that the product helps in inch loss for specific areas like tummy, arms, and thighs etc., helps to increase circulation along with toning of muscles, achieving desired benefits in a specific time period and claims to completely cure or control 20 types of diabetes The advertisement also claims Virechana detoxification is the right way to begin the treatment. It further says that it is very effective to bring hormonal balance and corrects metabolism. It adds that the product also helps in preventing insulin resistance and other complications. The website also claims that Shathayu Ayurveda relieves flatulence in the stomach, cures ulcers or wound and quickly reduces symptoms such as burning and burping.

5. Arka Biologics (Re-21): The advertisement visual implies that Re-21 helps to enhance sexual pleasure.

6. Doctor Advice Company (Sikander-e-azam capsules): The advertisement of Sikander-e-azam capsules claims to give complete satisfaction, strength and stamina. It further claims that the product would help revive oneself and has no side effects.

7. Zee Laboratories (Zee My Fair Products):  The advertisement claims that Zee My Fair Product has medically proven that it provides instant fairness.

8. GP Dixit Yoga &PrakritikChikitsalaya: The advertisement of GP Dixit Yoga & PrakritikChikitsalaya claims to treat all problems related to stomach and curing problems such as obesity, paralysis, diabetes, asthma, ulcers, waist and joint pain successfully. They also claim to reduce 3-7 kg weight per month.

9. Batson Drugs and Pharmaceuticals (Addiction Churan): The advertisement of Addiction Churan claims to save oneself from harmful effects of addiction with just one spoon and regular consumption of churan will help to get rid of cigarette and gutka addiction. It also adds that it is 100% herbal and safe and has no side effects.

10. Batson Drugs and Pharmaceuticals (No Kharate): The advertisement of No Kharate claims, “First time in India anti-snoring ayurvedic medicine” which is 100% herbal and approved by the Indian system of medicine.

11. Ganga Chikitsalaya: The advertisement of Ganga Chikitsalaya claims successful treatment of white spots. It further states that with continuous treatment the spot will start matching the colour of the skin.

12. Jivo Wellness Pvt. Ltd. (Jivo Canola): The advertisement of Jivo Canola claims 0% cholesterol, giving healthiest and lightest cooking. It further claims to be internationally recognized by American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, US Food & Drug Administration & World Heart Federation.

13. Marico Ltd (Livon Hair Gain): The advertisement of Livon Hair Gain claims to stop hair fall within 90 days. The super in the advertisement was misleading by ambiguity.

14. Advanced Hair Studio: The advertisement claims that Advanced Hair Studio is the only company in the world to have patented four unique procedures for hair loss under one roof. It further claims that the procedures have been performed over a million times. The advertisement further guarantees 100% restoration of head hair and restoration of appearance.

15. Dhanwantari Pharmaceutical (Dhanwantari range of products): The advertisement of Dhanwantari range of products claims to solve all health problems. It further claims that the products help in increasing immunity especially for multi-drug resistance with no side effects, welcoming all non-curable disease patients.

16. Dr Green Tulsi: The advertisement of Dr. Green Tulsi claims to increase resistance power to fight diseases, removes viruses, germs and flies from house, removes dark spots, wrinkles, acne, pimples and freckles from your face. The advertisement further claims to remove stretch marks, remove viruses and germs from water, helps to remove foul smell, increase remembrance power and is the best Antivenin which removes toxins out of the body on consumption.

17. Srikara Hospitals: The advertisement of Srikara Hospitals claims to be the only hospital of South India which has performed knee replacements operation from past 30 years which is a gross misrepresentation of facts and is false and misleading. Also, the advertisement is in breach of code of medical ethics as it shows a Doctor promoting the Hospital which is in violation of the Medical Council of India (MCI) Code of Ethics Regulations 2002 Clause 6.1.

18. Tara Health Foods Limited (Zaitoon Tara Cooking Oil): The advertisement of Zaitoon Tara Cooking Oil claims that it is anti-acidic and prevents formation of gastric acid in stomach. It further adds that it has vitamin E that helps to fight cancer, aging signs and in foetus development.

19. RC Creatives Sales Private Limited (RC Creatives Range of Products): The advertisement of Roomani oil claims that it helps in sagginess and reducing stress. It further adds that VMP capsule helps to provide more energy and makes men disease free, more powerful and young. The pack visual implies that the product is meant to enhance sexual pleasure.

20. AiswaryalakshmiValampirishanghu: The advertisement claims that their conch has miraculous power to ward off all problems faced by human beings. The advertisement propagates superstition and blind belief.

21. Leeford Healthcare Ltd (Meglow Premium Fairness Cream): The advertisement of Meglow Premium Fairness Cream claims that it gives natural radiant skin, helps in brightening dull skin tone, helps in eliminating dead skin cells, removes dark spots and prevents pigmentation. It further claims to provide magical fairness.

22. Musli Universal Capsule & Oil: The advertisement of Musli Universal capsule claims to successfully treat sexual weakness due to small organs, looseness, premature ejaculation, nightfall, semen, impotency and low sperm count.

23. Ayurgen Herbals (GroTallPlus Tonic): The advertisement claims that GroTall Plus Tonic is 100% ayurvedic with no side effects.

24. Agro Pharma (Agro Zeromos): The advertisement claims that Agro Zeromos helps to get complete protection from mosquitoes that cause illness such as dengue, malaria etc. It further adds that it does not have harmful effect, has ayurvedic content thereby giving complete protection.

25. Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution (Zilaxo): The advertisement claims that Zilaxo provides essential nutrients to heal and regenerate thereby giving marked difference within ten days. It further adds that one can start daily activities in a better way within 30 days.

26. SRS Formulations (Pylo Tablets): The advertisement claims that Pylo Tablets is the best and only solution for vaadi and bleeding piles. It also adds that it provides magical relief in just 24 hours.

27.  Bhagwaan Healthcare Centre: The advertisement claims that Bhagwaan Healthcare Centre is India's No. 1 clinic.

28. Tirupati Pharmacy - Jeevan Shakti Capsule: The advertisement claims that Jeevan Shakti capsule fills passion and energy in men from the very first day so that men get complete sexual satisfaction and endless joy. The advertisement also claims that experienced vaidyas and doctors of Tirupati Pharmacy have made Jeevan Shakti capsule by using rare and essential herbs.

29. Prime Ayurveda (Prime cool herbal Eye drops): The advertisement claims that Prime cool herbal eye drops helps to improve eye sight and reduce the eye number (optical power). It further claims to help to remove blurring vision and increases the brightness of the eyes.

30. SaifySeva Ashram (Dard Go Sugar Control Powder): The advertisement claims that the product is an ayurvedic powder and one does not need to change their normal diet. It further adds that it is recommended by MBBS doctors. It also has the FSSAI logo, proof for which is not substantiated.

31. Noni BioTechPvt Ltd (Divine Noni): The advertisement claims that Divine Noni builds immunity, removes toxins, improves digestion, and improves body's ability to self-heal, effective for women's health issues, suitable for all ages, no diet restrictions and no side effects.

32. KhodiyarAyurvedic: The advertisement claims that Khodiyar ayurvedic helps to get rid of the pain due to lack of calcium. It also adds that it helps to get results in case of cancer in 20 days by the use of herb seeds.

33. Gokul Clinic: The advertisement claims that Gokul clinic helps to get rid of piles in just one injection. It also claims successful treatment for problems such as night fall, premature ejaculation, impotency, leucorrhoea, quitting alcohol, asthma, diabetes, arthritis, blood pressure and STDs in both males and females.

34. Bajaj Corp Ltd (Bajaj Almond Drops Hair Oil): The advertisement claims that Bajaj Almond Drops Hair Oil helps to provide Vitamin E to the hair and makes hair damage-free.

35. Sky Brand India (VishMukti): The advertisement claims that the product is effective in the treatment of all kinds of addictions i.e. drugs, cigarette, alcohol and tobacco. It claims that the product is 100% ayurvedic with no side effects. It claims “VISH MUKTI” endows various health benefits to the body and can be used for long time periods. It further claims to bring tremendous positive changes in the lives of people, to get rid of any kind of addiction and achieve the desired result if one consumes one table-spoon of it with a glass of water or with a meal twice a day.

36. B. Lab (Pro Hair): The advertisement claims that Pro Hair helps grow hair and cure baldness.

37. Osmor (Osmor Water Purification): The advertisement claims that Osmor Water Purification enhances PH level of water and reduces acidity in the body.

38. Anand Clinic: The advertisement claims to get rid of alcohol without letting the patient know or bringing the alcoholic to the clinic. It further adds that the clinic helps weak men to get tremendous power. The advertisement directly violates Medical Council of India (MCI) Code of Ethics Regulations 2002 Clause 6.1 as the advertisement mentions the name of Dr. Anand promoting the Clinic.

39. Shiv Shakti Medicine (Restore Power Capsule): The advertisement claims that Restore Power Capsule helps to get rid of masculine weakness and to get youth back. It further claims to have a pure ayurvedic formula, cure male erectile dysfunction, low desire for sex, low sperm count and contraction of nerves. The product visually implies sexual pleasure.

40. India Veda (MX Stamina): The advertisement claims that MX Stamina will make life beautiful for a person. It adds that it will build immunity, increase energy and make one confident without any side effects. The advertisement claims that the product will help to get more stamina and help one feel young. The TVC also implies that the product is meant for enhancement of sexual pleasure.

41. Dr. G Wellness for Diabetes: The advertisement of Dr. G Wellness for Diabetes claims control and prevention of diabetes. The advertisement is misleading as it is presented as a news item format but without a disclaimer. It claims “reversing” of Diabetes which was misleading by ambiguity and implied “cure” by claiming “complete weaning off the medicines”. The TVC shows a doctor promoting the clinic which is in violation of the Medical Council of India (MCI) Code of Medical Ethics Regulation, Clause 6.1.

Education:

The CCC found following claims in print advertisements by 25 different advertisers were not substantiated and thus, violated ASCI Guidelines for Advertising of Educational Institutions and hence the complaints against these ads were UPHELD.

1. CL Educate Ltd: The advertisement claims that 32 out of 50 questions in the GK section in CLAT 2014 were from LST course material provided by their institute.

2. Govindam Defence Academy: The advertisement claims that Govindam Defence Academy guarantees selection in AIRFORCE-X, Y/NAVY-SSRand AA.

3. Shree Gujarat Education Trust (SCIT – College of IT & Management): The advertisement claims that SCIT – College of IT & Management provides “100% pass guarantee (Separate class)” with “Super: *T&C. Apply.”

4. Aditya School of Banking: The website shows success stories and testimonials which claims that many students have cracked competitive exams after joining their institute.

5. Raman Coaching: The advertisement claims that Raman Coaching guarantees written success and also provides 100% refund of tuition fee if failed in entrance or main exam.

6. Mumbai Educational Trust (MET Institute of Medical Sciences): The advertisement claims that MET are ranked 3rd best B-school in the Pharma sector by CNBC TV18, which is misleading as it omitted the year “2009” in which it received the honour. The advertisement further claimed guaranteed 100% placements.

7. Manasa Defence Academy: The advertisement claims that Manasa Defence Academy is the only job placement academy for twelfth pass students.

8. Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology & Management: The advertisement claims that the institute offers UGC recognized degrees in management & information technology, MBA, B.Com, BBA and BCA.

Complaints against advertisements of all educational institutes listed below were UPHELD because of unsubstantiated claims that they 'provide 100% placement/AND/OR they claim to be the No.1 in their respective fields':

Excel College Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Medical Representative Pvt. Ltd., National Academy of Fire and Safety Engineering, Northern Institute of Engineering and Technology (NIET), Achariya Arts and Science College, Columbia Institute of Pharmacy, Gurukul Institute of Engineering & Technology, IIJT Education Pvt. Ltd, IT Vision, National Institute of Fire, Disaster and Environment Management, The Atmajyoti Research and Educational Trust (Universal Technical College), BagulaMukhi Group of Institution, Gandhi Institute for Education & Technology, MaharanaPratap Group of Institutions, RBMI Group of Institutions, Shri Rawatpura Sarkar Institutions and Balaji Group of Institutions.

Teleshopping:

1. Devi AnusandhanSansthan (Dhan Varsha SarwaSankatNivakar): The advertisement claims that the product brings prosperity and success in professional life. The advertorial suggests that the yantra would terminate any kind of trouble and ill fate. It further claims that blessings of Mata Laxmi promises to bring prosperity, happiness and wealth. It also adds that Goddess Laxmi provides protection from evils and abundant profit in business and family circle. The advertisement contravened Chapter I.1 of the ASCI Code as well as Advertising Code – 7 <5> under the Cable Television Network Rules, 1994.  The complaint was UPHELD.

2. Quick Heal Technologies (P) Ltd (Quick Heal Anti-Virus): The advertisement shows a person in military (army) uniform stating that Quick Heal helps him keep his data safe. The advertisement implies that India's armed forces and security establishment uses antivirus to keep its sensitive data safe. The Advertiser did not provide substantiation that Indian Defense forces are actually using the anti-virus developed by Quick Heal. The CCC concluded that the advertisement contravened Chapters I.1 and I.3 of the ASCI Code. The complaint was UPHELD.

3. Star CJ Network India P. Ltd. (Star CJ Alive): The advertisement claims that Star CJ Alive is India's No. 1 home shopping channel. The advertisement contravened Chapters I.1, I.2 and I.4 of the Code.  The complaint was UPHELD.

 

Others:

1. eBay.com: The advertisement claims to have an online promotional offer of 20% off (discount) on purchase of a product subject to a maximum limit of INR 3000 on using a given coupon code. This advertisement is misleading by omission as it did not mention the terms and conditions such as this offer is on “first come first serve basis” and it gave no visibility to customers to know if the limit to avail this offer had been reached.

2. TTK Prestige Ltd (Prestige Livestraw Water Purifier): The advertisement claims that Prestige Livestraw Water Purifier provides users with “Pure Vegetarian Water”. This claim in the context of bacteria was found to be misleading.

3. Tata Sky Ltd (Tata Sky): The advertisement shows a ten year old girl saying drinking green tea will protect her from mosquitoes and that she has picked up the said fact from TV. This fact has been added by Tata Sky from websites which have no scientifically proven data, thereby the TVC misrepresents facts and is not based on scientifically validated data and is misleading.

4. SitaramShyamlal (Ret Greenline Juicer): The advertisement claims that Ret Greenline Juicer follows the ayurvedic system and is a healthy and hygienic juicer. It claims that it is India's first noise free juicer; it extracts 100% fibers and nutrients and provides 40% more juice compared to other juicers. The advertisement further adds that juice extracted from their juicer helps fight heart problems, cancer, aging, fat and skin problems.

5. Ricoh India Limited: The advertisement on YouTube shows a printer bring used with a Macintosh computer which it actually does not support. It is only compatible to a Windows machine, which was not mentioned anywhere on the website or any other e-commerce website.

6. Hindustan Unilever Ltd (PureitUltima): The advertisement shows input water TDS and output TDS. The TDS visual was considered misleading as there is no sensor to detect TDS of the input water in the product.

7. Mantri Developers: The advertisement of Mantri Developers claims “Double your investment in just 3 years,” was not substantiated and was considered to be misleading.

8. Mebelkart Technologies Private Limited: The advertisement claims to sell Housefull Cody Book Case Wengeat a discounted price of Rs. 3,590 instead of Rs. 7,180, which was false and misleading as it implies that the customer is being offered at a discount price, which is not true as on the reception of the parcel the outer carton mentions a price of Rs. 3500 inclusive of taxes.

Automobiles:

1. EMI Free Car Pvt. Ltd: The website advertisement claim of "EMI free car” was not substantiated and found misleading.

2. Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (Maruti Swift): The advertisement shows the visual sequence  of “a Swift Car  doing acrobatic turns at high speed” followed  by “a father and a small child both enjoying the ride and giving hi-five”, creates an impression of showing a dangerous practice  and manifests a disregard for safety, by implication.

3. Honda Cars India Ltd (Honda Amaze): The advertisement of Honda Amaze shows the price for the car starting from Rs. 5,45,678 which is cancelled out and the price is brought down to Rs. 5,25,000, which was found to be the price of the base model. This price offer distorts facts and was misleading.

4. Hyundai Motors India (Hyundai Eon): The advertisement claim offer of “Hyundai Econ now starts at just Rs. 2.40 Lacs,” was not substantiated as the Advertiser did not provide proof of any customer who availed/benefitted with this offer. Also, the claim offer distorts facts and is misleading

Food and Beverages:

1. Saj Food Product Pvt Ltd (Biskfarm): The advertisement portrays characters from Mahabharata where it depicts Kunti asking Yudhistir to share with his brothers whatever he brought. Yudhistir angrily agrees to share Draupadi but disagrees to share Top biscuits. The situation shown in the TVC of sharing biscuits to the sharing of a woman derides gender and is demeaning to women.

2. Gujarat Co-operative Milk Federation Ltd (Amul Butter): The product packaging of the Amul 500gms butter pack shows a food pyramid with cereals, veggies and fruits at bottom of the pyramid while Amul Butter at the top. It further claims that Butter tops the food triangle which is misleading by implication as it implies Butter to be the best among other food items as shown on the pack.

3. Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd (Amul): The advertisement on the website recommends weaning of breast milk at 9 months, solid food at 3 months and fruit juices for babies of 3-4 weeks old. The website also states that purely milk diet is not sufficient as it does not contain enough nutrition. These claims distort facts and were considered to be false and misleading.

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