Ban on use of living people images on OOH continues in TN

The judgement was challenged by the Greater Chennai Corporation, at least to remove the living person clause from the order to shield their outdoor advertising revenues, but the court order has prevailed

The Madras High Court has refused to remove the blanket ban of the use of images of living people on hoardings and flex banner which was specifically directed at electoral campaign in Chennai. This order, passed by the single judge, was challenged by a division bench in the court, representing the Greater Chennai Corporation. It was also claimed that such an order would affect the outdoor industry and the revenue earnings of the corporation as various advertising categories which use such imageries would stop spending on outdoor advertising.

Also, the corporation, at least, wanted the living person’s clause to be removed as it will directly impact the hefty budget campaigns coming in specifically from the political parties. The ban was imposed against political parties that plaster the city with unauthorised hoardings and banners featuring images of political leaders ahead of the local municipal polls.