Does ASCI follow the principles of Natural Justice when handling complaints?
Yes. ASCI gives the Advertiser every opportunity to explain its point of view. You will appreciate that if an AD is to be reviewed for its likely impact on the sensibilities of individual viewers of TV, or readers of press publications (as in the case of your complaint), we require to convey to the Advertiser concerned, the substantial issues raised in the complaint, in the exact context of the specific advertisement, as conveyed by the perception of the complainant. We usually give the Advertiser two weeks to respond by way of comments. Only then will the Consumer Complaints Council (CCC), of the ASCI, be in a position to deliberate meaningfully on the issues involved, and to arrive at a fair and objective conclusion, which would stand the scrutiny of all concerned with the right to freedom of expression, and the freedom of consumers to choose the products /services made available to them in the market-place.
