Misleading pan masala ad: Consumer court issues notice to Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, Tiger Shroff
The petitioner has demanded legal action against the actors for spreading "misinformation" by endorsing the product with the tagline "Daane daane mein hai kesar ka dum".
Mar 11, 2025, 04:38 IST
A consumer forum in Jaipur recently issued notice to Bollywood actors Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff over an alleged misleading advertisement of Vimal Pan Masala.
The Jaipur District Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission (commission) also issued notice to Vimal Pan Masala manufacturers.
A district consumer disputes redressal forum in Jaipur has issued notices to Bollywood actors Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, and Tiger Shroff, as well as to Vimal Kumar Agarwal, chairman of JB Industries, the manufacturer of Vimal Pan Masala. The notices pertain to allegations of misleading advertising claims made in promotions for the pan masala brand.
Allegations of Misleading Claims
The complaint, filed by Jaipur resident Yogendra Singh Badiyal, challenges the advertisement's assertion that "every grain contains saffron." Badiyal contends that with saffron priced at approximately ₹4 lakh per kilogram, it is implausible for a ₹5 pan masala pouch to contain genuine saffron. He argues that such claims mislead consumers and potentially pose public health risks.
Legal Proceedings Initiated
In response to the complaint, the Jaipur District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has summoned the actors and the company's chairman to appear for a hearing scheduled on March 19, 2025. The commission has directed all parties to submit their responses within 30 days.
Previous Controversies
This is not the first instance where celebrities have faced scrutiny over endorsements of pan masala products. The promotion of such products by public figures has been a contentious issue, with debates centering on the ethical implications and potential influence on consumer behavior.
Implications for Celebrity Endorsements
The current case underscores the growing accountability of celebrities in advertising, emphasizing the need for due diligence before endorsing products. It highlights the legal and ethical responsibilities of public figures in ensuring that their endorsements do not mislead consumers.
As the hearing date approaches, the responses from the implicated actors and the manufacturing company will be pivotal in determining the outcome of this case. The proceedings may set a precedent for future endorsements and advertising practices in India.