Reliance Jio advertisement featuring Narendra Modi has Twitter in a frenzy

New Delhi,Sept3Indians 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.

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

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

Can’t wait for Modiji’s voice to tell me “Mitroṅ, aapka dial kiya gaya number is waqt kisi anya call par vyast hai”

— Tanmay Bhat (@thetanmay) September 2, 2016

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

Morning ~ @narendramodi appearing for #Reliance
Evening ~ @narendramodi appearing on #Reliance#jiomodi 😋 pic.twitter.com/e85ZkrzcKD

— Akash Banerjee (@akashbanerjee) September 2, 2016

Any more proof reqd to prove that – मोदी जी अम्बानी की जेब में। pic.twitter.com/YyBOUQn9Xt

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) September 2, 2016

“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.