LAWS(BOM)-1996-10-75

ARUN PRABHAKARRAO CHOUDHARI Vs. STATE OF MAHARASHTRA

Decided On October 10, 1996
ARUN PRABHAKARRAO CHOUDHARI Appellant
V/S
STATE OF MAHARASHTRA Respondents

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THIS writ petition is registered on the basis of a letter received from the petitioner, party in person, in connection with the protection of the national interests. The grievance relates to the telecasting of a commercial advertisement on Doordarshan in respect of FEVICOL, manufactured by the Pidilite Industries Limited, respondent No. 4.

(2.) THE advertisement was shown on Doordarshan in the month of August 1995. The subject-matter of the advertisement was in connection with Jammu and Kashmir, which is an integral part of India.

(3.) IN the letter received by this Court, it was contended that the map of Jammu and Kashmir is shown with the words expressed as " tksj yxkdj gk;kk] tku yxkdj gk;kk ". After this map of Jammu and Kashmir, the map of rest of India is shown. Again the above words are reiterated, and finally, the name of FEVICOL is shown. According to the author of the letter, the said advertisement indicates that Jammu and Kashmir was a different part and it was joined with the rest of India. He has further stated that the advertisement is misleading and affects the unity and integrity of the Nation, as Jammu and Kashmir forms an integral part of India and was never a different part, nor can it be said that Jammu and Kashmir stood joined by other agencies with the rest of India.