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Twitter Is Stumped, Agitated As Reliance Jio Ad Features Prime Minister Modi

Is this even legal?
By 

Social Media Editor

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AFP/Getty Images
The advertisement has left Twitteratti confused.

This morning, Indians woke up to front page advertisements on most newspapers featuring Reliance Jio, the telco from Reliance Industries that was launched yesterday. The advertisement raised eyebrows because it featured Prime Minister Modi in a colour-coordinated blue jacket.

Yesterday, while launching Reliance Jio, Ambani said that Jio is a dedication to Digital India dream of the Prime Minister and "his vision for the 1.2 billion people of India". Seems like he really meant the dedication bit.

The advertisement has left Twitteratti confused. Many are wondering if the Prime Minister is now the brand ambassador of Jio.

From political rivals to the aam aadmi, everyone is wondering about the ad on Twitter this morning.

Why is the prime minister - and his steely gaze - endorsing a private company? Truly, sab mile hue hai ji. pic.twitter.com/TNWR2fsvzy

— Brown Sahiba (@Rajyasree) September 2, 2016

Narendra Modi's Pic in Reliance Jio Ad is Tricky debate. Companies can't use PM's Pic for Promotion - but they can use their employee's pic

— Joy (@Joydas) September 2, 2016

So, is this legal? That's the question on everyone's mind right now.

"Everyone does it. Lots of small advertisers have used politicians' pictures in the past. That doesn't make it right. But, with the Reliance ad, the question is, whether PM Modi has approved of it," said Anant Rangaswami, editor of Storyboard, the advertising, media and marketing show on CNBC-TV18.

The Emblems And Names (Prevention Of Improper Use) Act, 1950, notes, "No person shall, except in such cases and under such conditions as may be prescribed by the Central Government use, or continue to use, for the purpose of any trade, business, calling or profession, or in the title of any patent, or in any trade mark or design, any name or emblem specified in the Schedule or, any colourable imitation thereof without the previous permission of the Central Government or of such officer of Government as may be authorised in this behalf by the Central Government."

Earlier this year, Pune-based real estate group - Maple Group --got in trouble for using Modi's photo in their advertisement. They were forced to apologise to Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for using their photos.

Now, an activist has filed an RTI to find out whether Reliance took Modi's permission before publishing the advertisement and seeking details on it.

I'm surprised to see PM @narendramodi in a @reliancejio ad. Have asked the following to the PMO in my RTI. pic.twitter.com/ROSfx1FmNT

— Nishant Gambhir (@madnish30) September 2, 2016

There was no response from the PMO or RIL at the time of writing this article.

Also see on HuffPost:

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NH1-D is one of two roads that connect Ladakh with the rest of India, the other being Leh-Manali Highway. The 422 km long highway is best travelled during early June to mid-November. Ladakh's monasteries, landscapes and mountains make this a trip of a lifetime. (On Google Maps) (credit:ROUF BHAT via Getty Images)
Khardung La in Ladakh..(02 of12)
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If you've made it to Leh, you owe it to yourself to explore the Khardung La elevation. Located in Ladakh, north of Leh, at a height of 5,359 metres, it's one of the highest motorable roads in the world. This road is not for the faint of heart, do carry some altitude sickness pills. (On Google Maps) (credit:Himalayan Trails/Flickr)
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This road trip traversing the states of Assam and Meghalaya has some of the most breathtaking views of grasslands, waterfalls, and rain forests. (On Google Maps) (credit:Joe Athialy/Flickr)
Bangalore To Coonoor(04 of12)
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This trip from Bengaluru to Coonoor, situated in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu will take you close to seven or eight hours by road. The route gets scenic once you reach Bandipur National park, with tea plantations, water falls, and greenery all around. (On Google Maps) (credit:Sandip Bhattacharya/Flickr)
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-- This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions or concerns about this article, please contact indiasupport@huffpost.com.