Salman Khan gets legal notice over 'misleading' pan masala ads
What's the story
Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has found himself in a legal mess after a complaint was filed against him for allegedly endorsing misleading advertisements for a popular pan masala brand. The Kota Consumer Court has issued notices to both the actor and the manufacturing company, reported ANI. The case centers around claims of saffron in the product, which are being questioned by the complainant.
Details
BJP leader files complaint
The complaint was filed by senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Rajasthan High Court advocate Inder Mohan Singh Honey. He has sought a ban on such advertisements, alleging misleading advertising by the company manufacturing Rajshree Pan Masala. Honey's complaint questions the credibility of claims made in the advertisements that claim to contain "saffron-infused cardamom" and "saffron-infused pan masala."
Cost argument
Saffron costs ₹4L/kilogram. How is it in a ₹5 packet?
Honey argued that saffron, which costs nearly ₹4 lakh per kilogram, cannot logically be an ingredient in a product priced at ₹5. He further stated that such misleading advertisements influence young people to consume pan masala, which is linked to an increasing number of cancer cases. "Salman Khan is a role model for many people...Celebrities or film stars in other countries don't even promote cold drinks, but they are promoting tobacco and pan masala," Honey told ANI.
Legal proceedings
Hearing scheduled for November 27
The Kota Consumer Court has taken cognizance of the matter and scheduled a hearing for November 27. As of now, responses from both the manufacturing firm and Khan are awaited. The actor has appeared in ads for Rajshree Elaichi. While the company also manufactures pan masala, Khan has not appeared in any ads for it.