The Jaipur Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum has sent legal notices to Bollywood actors Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgan, and Tiger Shroff, along with JB Industries’ chairman, regarding a controversial advertisement for Vimal Pan Masala. The forum has asked them to respond to the notice by March 19, following allegations that the ad misleads consumers by claiming the product contains saffron.
The Complaint Against Vimal Pan Masala
The complaint was filed by Jaipur resident Yogendra Singh Badiyal. He accused the company, JB Industries, of misleading consumers with false advertising. The main issue is that the advertisement claims every grain of Vimal Pan Masala contains saffron, but this is unlikely given the high price of saffron. The complainant argues that the cost of saffron is around 4 lakh rupees per kilogram, while a pouch of Vimal Pan Masala costs only Rs 5. He claims it is impossible for such an inexpensive product to contain even a trace of real saffron.
The complaint further states that the advertisement was created to attract more customers and boost sales. Bollywood actors Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgan, and Tiger Shroff have promoted the brand, which may have convinced many people to purchase the product. The complainant believes this is unethical, as it deceives customers into thinking they are getting a high-quality product with saffron.
Health Concerns and Call for a Ban on Advertising
The complaint also raises serious concerns about the health risks associated with consuming pan masala. Vimal Pan Masala is often sold with tobacco, creating a harmful combination known as gutkha. Many health experts warn that gutkha is dangerous and can lead to serious illnesses, including cancer. The complainant argues that the company is aware of these risks but continues to promote the product to make a profit.
According to the complaint, the advertisement does not mention the harmful effects of consuming pan masala. Instead, it misleads people by highlighting the presence of saffron, making the product seem healthier than it actually is. The petitioner believes this type of marketing should not be allowed, as it can harm consumers who may not fully understand the risks.
Legal Action and Notice Issued
After reviewing the complaint, the Jaipur Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, chaired by Gyarsilal Meena with member Hemlata Agarwal, decided to take action. The forum issued notices to the three actors and the chairman of JB Industries, asking them to respond by March 19. The forum will consider their responses before making a decision on the matter.
The legal notice means that the actors and the company must explain their side of the story. If they fail to provide a satisfactory response, further legal action may be taken against them. The complainant hopes that the advertisement will be banned and that stricter rules will be enforced to prevent such misleading promotions in the future.
The Role of Celebrities in Advertising
This case has sparked a larger debate about the responsibility of celebrities in advertising. Many people believe that actors and other public figures should be more careful about the brands they promote. Since celebrities have a strong influence on the public, they can encourage people to buy products, even if those products are harmful.
In recent years, several Bollywood actors have been criticized for endorsing unhealthy products, including soft drinks, fairness creams, and tobacco-related items. Some experts argue that celebrities should do proper research before agreeing to promote a product. Others believe that strict laws should be put in place to prevent misleading advertisements, especially for products that can harm public health.
Consumer Awareness and the Fight Against Misleading Ads
Consumer rights groups and activists have welcomed the Jaipur forum’s decision to take action against the misleading advertisement. They believe that such cases will help raise awareness among consumers about deceptive marketing tactics. Many activists argue that companies should not be allowed to make false claims about their products, and celebrities should be held accountable for promoting such items.
In India, misleading advertisements are a common issue, and consumer protection laws are in place to prevent false claims. However, enforcing these laws can be challenging, as companies often find ways to bypass regulations. This case highlights the importance of holding both companies and endorsers responsible for the information they share with the public.
Conclusion
The Jaipur Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum’s decision to issue notices to Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgan, Tiger Shroff, and JB Industries marks an important step in fighting misleading advertisements. The complaint alleges that Vimal Pan Masala falsely claims to contain saffron, which could mislead consumers into believing they are purchasing a high-quality product. Additionally, the complaint raises concerns about the health risks associated with consuming gutkha, which contains harmful tobacco ingredients.
The case also raises important questions about the role of celebrities in advertising and the need for stricter regulations to prevent misleading promotions. As the legal process continues, many people will be watching to see how the actors and the company respond to the allegations. This case could set an important precedent for future disputes regarding deceptive marketing practices in India.