Bollywood Stars Face Court Over Misleading Ads
The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Kota has initiated legal proceedings against prominent Bollywood actors Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, and Tiger Shroff, alongside the manufacturer of Vimal Pan Masala. The commission has summoned the celebrities to court over allegations of misleading advertisements concerning the product’s ingredients, particularly claims about the inclusion of saffron.
Legal Action Initiated by Social Activist
The case was brought forth by social worker and BJP leader Indramohan Singh Honey, represented by senior advocate Vivek Nandwana. It falls under Section 89 of the Consumer Protection Act, which addresses deceptive advertising practices. The complaint asserts that the actors, through their endorsements for Vimal Pan Masala, misled consumers by claiming the product contains ‘kesar’ (saffron). This claim is particularly concerning for younger consumers who may be influenced by such advertisements.
The petitioner highlighted the significant market price of saffron, questioning how it could be included in a pan masala product sold at a relatively low price. Furthermore, the complaint points out that the manufacturer has not provided sufficient evidence to support the saffron claim. Additionally, warnings on the product packaging are reportedly printed in small fonts, making them difficult for consumers to read.
Consumer Commission’s Response
In response to the complaint, the Chairman of the Consumer Commission, Mr. Anurag Gautam, issued a notice summoning the three actors and the manufacturer to present their explanations in court. This legal action has reignited discussions about the accountability of celebrities in brand endorsements, especially for products that may pose health risks or make misleading claims.
In recent years, several Bollywood stars have faced backlash for endorsing products like gutkha and pan masala, which are often linked to adverse health effects. Activists and legal experts argue that public figures should be held responsible for the products they promote, as their endorsements can significantly sway consumer behavior.
Implications for Celebrity Endorsements
As this case progresses, the responses from the actors and the Vimal Pan Masala brand will be closely monitored. The outcome could establish a crucial precedent regarding the ethical responsibilities of celebrities in advertising. The ongoing debate emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in celebrity endorsements, particularly for products associated with health concerns.
This situation serves as a reminder of the potential impact that celebrity endorsements can have on consumer choices and the importance of ensuring that advertisements are truthful and not misleading.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.