The district consumer disputes redressal forum in Jaipur has issued notices to Bollywood actors Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, and Tiger Shroff, along with the chairman of JB Industries, the manufacturer of Vimal Pan Masala. The case stems from allegations that their advertisement for the product is misleading. The forum has summoned them to appear on March 19 to address the claims.
Misleading Advertisement Allegations
The controversy revolves around the tagline of the ad, which states, “Dane dane mein hai kesar ka dum” (each grain has the strength of saffron). The complaint, filed by Jaipur resident Yogendra Singh Badiyal, argues that the claim is deceptive. The petitioner points out that saffron costs around ₹4 lakh per kilogram, while a Vimal Pan Masala and tobacco pouch costs merely ₹5, making it highly unlikely that saffron is actually present in the product.
Actors Accused of False Endorsement
According to the complaint, the advertisement misleads consumers into believing that the pan masala contains saffron, potentially influencing more people to buy it. The petitioner further alleges that the actors are complicit in spreading false propaganda that benefits the manufacturer while causing health risks to consumers. The complaint states that the company is making significant profits while consumers are unknowingly putting their health at risk.
Health Concerns Raised
The complaint highlights the severe health implications of consuming pan masala and tobacco. It states that many people are unknowingly inviting diseases like cancer due to the misleading promotions. This raises concerns about celebrities endorsing such products and the ethical responsibilities they hold in advertising.
Upcoming Legal Proceedings
The Jaipur consumer forum, chaired by Gyarsilal Meena along with member Hemlata Agarwal, has taken the complaint seriously. The next legal step involves the actors and the manufacturer appearing before the forum on March 19 to respond to the allegations.
