Reliance Jio, Paytm apologise for using PM Narendra Modi's image in their ads without permission, says government.

The government had issued notices to Paytm and Reliance Jio Infocomm last month, asking them whether they had taken prior permission before using Prime Minister Narendra Modi's photographs on advertisements of their products.


In September last year, Mukesh Ambani-promoted Reliance Jio Infocomm had used Modi's picture in full-page advertisements, which triggered a heated political debate and resulted in a number of PILs in the courts.

Two months later on November 9, the morning after Modi announced demonetisation on TV, PayTm released full-page ads in newspapers welcoming the decision to ban Rs 500 and Rs 1000 bank notes and the push towards digital economy.

Also read: PM in Jio ad: 'Who is in whose mutthi?'

An official with the ministry of consumer affairs, food and public distribution confirmed the move, adding that the companies may also face penalties in the coming week. Two other ministry officials also confirmed the development.