Salman Khan Faces Legal Action over “Misleading” pan masala advertisement
Bollywood Star Salman Khan has been sued by the Kota Consumer Court for misleading advertising of Rajshree Pan Masala.
Inder Mohan Honey, a senior BJP leader and Rajasthan High Court lawyer who filed the complaint, is asking for a ban on all such ads. Salman Khan, the pan masala firm, and other parties have been issued notices by the Kota Consumer Court to respond to these allegations.
Salman Khan, the manufacturer, and other parties have been advertising Rajshree Pan Masala to contain “saffron infused cardamom”, and “saffron infused pan masala” according to the court filing. According to the petitioner, these claims are not credible because the price of the product is significantly higher than its premium ingredients.
In the complaint, it is stated that in India, saffron can cost up to Rs. 4 lakhs per kilogram. This makes it impossible economically for a product selling at Rs. 5 to have genuine saffron. The price analysis is the basis of the false advertisement claim against Salman Khan.
The legal action is not only concerned with economic issues, but also has serious implications for public health. According to the complaint, such misleading advertising has a direct impact on young consumers. It encourages them to purchase pan masala products, which are linked medically to an increase in cancer cases throughout India.
Salman Khan and Rajshree Pan Masala, the company that makes the product, say it contains saffron, and they encourage the young to consume the product. Salman Khan has become a hero for many. “We have lodged a complaint in the Kota Consumer Court, and notices for a hearing have been sent out,” Inder Mohan Sing Honey said to ANI.
Salman Khan is specifically targeted in the legal action, which highlights his role as brand ambassador and emphasizes his influence over Indian youth. It also stresses his responsibilities as a public person. According to the complaint, celebrities such as Salman Khan are legally and morally bound to verify that products they promote do not harm public health.
In India, celebrity endorsements are increasingly being held accountable by the law. This is especially true for claims made about health and ingredients. This decision by the consumer court to send out notices shows how seriously the Indian legal system treats complaints about misleading advertisements.
As the Consumer Court continues to investigate pan masala marketing practices, the hearing date of Salman Khan’s reply to these accusations is likely to be announced shortly.
Consumer Protection in India
The Consumer Protection Act established Consumer Courts in India. These courts address complaints related to false advertising, defective products, and unfair business practices. The Consumer Protection Act gives these courts the power to ban or impose fines on products and advertisements that are in violation of consumer rights, public health standards, and unfair trade practices.
