Delhi High Court Backs TRAI's TV Ad Limit Regulations

The Delhi High Court has affirmed the legality of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's (TRAI) rule restricting television advertisements to 12 minutes per hour. The court emphasized that the Constitution does not assure profitability or unrestrained use of public assets.

A bench consisting of Justices Anil Kshetarpal and Amit Mahajan rejected petitions from several broadcasters who questioned the constitutionality of the 2012 regulations. The court declared that TRAI was operating within its legal boundaries, balancing the broadcasters' interests with public welfare regarding the use of broadcast spectrum.

The judgement highlighted that the resource of spectrum is scarce and should be managed in trust by the State. The imposed restrictions, the court stated, are in line with Articles 39(b) and (c) of the Constitution, curbing excessive exploitation and promoting fair use. It asserted that these regulations do not infringe upon the broadcasters' freedom concerning content or business strategies.

While the petitioners, including 9X Media Pvt Ltd and the News Broadcasters Association, argued the rules infringed on their revenue and rights to commercial speech, the court maintained that the regulations were consistent, based on wide-ranging consultations and international practices.

(With inputs from agencies.)