Did Paytm and Reliance Jio take permission before using PM’s photo in commercials?

On the fateful evening of November 8 when PM Modi announced demonetization, India woke up to find PM Modi being applauded in newspaper cover by Paytm. A full spread advertisement on most newspapers had of PayTm thanking PM for bringing the revolutionary change, which will eventually result in increase in Paytm’s revenue.

This wasn’t a singled out incident. Earlier Reliance Jio after launching its service gave a similar newspaper ad with Mukesh Ambani backed company thanking the PM for his Digital India initiative.

The consumer affairs department in the ministry has also written to the ministry of information and broadcasting, advising it to sensitise the media about the need to obtain "prior permission" before commercial usage of certain emblems and names prohibited by the The Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950.

The 1950 Act states that "...No person shall, except in such cases and under such conditions as may be prescribed by the Central Government use... for the purpose of any trade, business, calling or profession... 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."