Red Cross asks Indian Oil to stop using its symbol

The Red Cross society has not taken kindly to its ubiquitous symbol being used by Indian Oil.

The Red Cross society has not taken kindly to its ubiquitous symbol being used by Indian Oil.

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The Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) has shot off a letter to the state-owned oil company asking it to stop the use of the red cross emblem at its petrol pumps across the country.

"We have written to the chairman of Indian Oil asking him to direct petrol pump owners not to use the emblem from the outlets," a top source in IRCS said.

The Geneva Conventions Act of 1960 makes unauthorised use of the Red Cross emblem or its imitation a punishable offence.

The official said there is a fine of Rs 500, besides forfeiture of the goods or vehicles on which the emblem has been used without authorisation.

When contacted, N Srikumar, Indian Oil General Manager, Corporate Communications and Branding, said "we have received a communication from the Red Cross and are finding a way to switch over. We have taken this positively." The letter, which was sent last month, also mentions that the chairperson should ensure the company's other medical establishments are also not using red cross emblem, which is a protective symbol.