TRAI Says 12-Minute-Per-Hour Advertising Cap Continues Despite Pending Court Case

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has clarified that television broadcasters must continue to comply with the 12-minute advertisement cap per clock hour, notwithstanding the ongoing judicial challenge to the regulation.

TRAI said the limit flows from the Quality of Service Regulations, 2013, read with the 2012 Advertisement Cap Regulations and the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994. The authority reiterated that while the Delhi High Court has restrained coercive action, there is no express stay on the operation of the ad cap.

The clarification follows show-cause notices issued on November 18, giving broadcasters 15 days to respond. Broadcasters have flagged financial stress and declining revenues.

The matter is listed for hearing on January 27, 2026.