Should political ads be allowed on TV?

[icernet-admin at listserv.cddc.vt.edu]

TV advertising is an effective way of reaching out to the electorate but a
distinction can be made between ads and programmes
In India, with its huge population, the issue of connecting with people is
much more complex. Traditionally, political rallies served the purpose of
political information dissemination but with the size of constituencies
getting larger, television has emerged as a cost-effective medium with the
reach and viewership to connect with large pockets of the population at one
go. It's time to give television a chance! - Arvind Sharma Chairman & CEO,
Leo Burnett.

Existing law prima facie appears to ban advertising with political
content.The safest, most conservative stand for any political party or
individual wishing to avoid the infamy of prosecution would be to follow
this prima facie legal interpretation. However, an arguable case on
interpretation can be raised even on existing law on the basis that only
advertisements with political content are barred but programmes - for
example, documentaries or video films on a party or its leaders - are not.
Needless to add, some amount of legal adventurism is involved in this
option. Abhishek M Singhvi Congress spokesperson and lawyer.

Source:
http://www.business-standard.com/today/story.asp?Menu=26&story=36033