The MRTPC on Monday, November 1, 1999, noted: ``Since no objectionable advertisements have been issued by or on behalf of the respondents, which advertisements are the subject matter of this proceeding, the complaint application stands disposed off as withdrawn'' at the instance of the complainants' advocates.

However, it adds that the complainants ``have the liberty to approach this Commission if the respondents issue objectionable advertisements in future.'' No damages have been awarded.

It may be recalled that the TCL ad that appeared in leading newspapers for nine days starting September 10, 1999, had stated that though big brands claim to use only their own components in their TVs, they usually outsource many of their critical components. The ads gave the example of Philips TVs as using JCT Picture Tubes. The ad copy also claimed that many CTV brands get their products from OEMs, and only market them under their own brand name. Again, the examples given included Philips sourcing from Dixon, and BPL from Hotline.

Earlier, the Baron spokesperson had claimed (The Financial Express, October 11, 1999) that while the company had withdrawn the controversial ads on September 18, it had already achieved its purpose. Baron also maintained that it would run the same message of `value for money''-though with a modification in the wordings-in a new campaign around Diwali. Watch out for the next round of fireworks.