(a) whether the Government is aware that various manufacturers in the country are using the images of Gods and Saints/sages on the wrappers or packings of the products to promote the sale of their products;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the companies using the such images sought approval of the Government before printing these images; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the action taken/proposed to be taken against such manufacturers?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)
(a) to (d): Packaging with religious connotations are being used for some products. There
are a number of legislations that govern packaging of products such as (i) Prevention of
Food Adulteration Act, 1954; (ii) The Standards of Weights and Measures Act, 1976 and (iii)
Standard of Weights & Measures Packaged Commodities Rule, 1977.
Registration of a trademark is not compulsory under the Trade Marks Act, 1999. Manufacturers/
Companies may adopt and use a trademark without seeking any approval from the Registrar of
Trade Marks. In case they seek registration under the Trade Marks Act, an application has
to under go a process of examination, publication, opposition, if any, before it is
registered and any person can oppose the registration of the said mark.