The Indian condom producer Hindustan Latex company launched the vibrating condoms to promote the unwilling use of condoms in order to prevent the rampant spread of Aids, but unexpectedly sparked a fierce debate in the country over whether it is a sex toy - which are banned - or a means of birth control. LinkThe controversial condom has caused outrage in the state of Madhya Pradesh, because a government-owned company is involved in marketing it.
The pack of three condoms, branded as Crezendo, contains a battery-operated ring-like device.
The condom was given a low-key launch across the country three months ago. At that time many critics failed to notice that it had government backing.
A promotional message from the company, Hindustan Latex Limited, describes Crezendo as a product that "provides ultimate pleasure by producing strong vibrations".
That has caused an outcry among many in conservative India, including the Madhya Pradesh minister for road and energy, Kailash Vijayvargiya, who argues that it is nothing more than a sex toy.
"Sex toys are banned in India and the vibrating device is nothing but a sex toy being sold as condoms.
"The government's job is to promote family planning and population control measures rather than market products for sexual pleasure," he told BBC News.
