BIG trouble for Salman Khan! Kota Consumer Court sends legal notice to actor for ‘misleading’…
Salman Khan has been served a legal notice by the Kota court over his allegedly misleading ‘saffron-infused’ pan masala advertisement. He and the brand have until November 27 to respond.
Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has found himself in legal trouble after a consumer court in Kota, Rajasthan, issued notice to him over advertisements related to his pan masala brand. The notice was sent following a complaint accusing the ads of making misleading claims about the product’s ingredients.
Complaint regarding ‘saffron infused’ claims
The complaint was filed by senior BJP leader and Rajasthan High Court lawyer Inder Mohan Singh Honey. He claimed that the brand’s advertisements described its products as ‘saffron-infused cardamom’ and ‘saffron-infused pan masala’, which was unrealistic and deceptive.
The petitioner questioned how saffron, one of the most expensive spices in the world, costing around Rs 4 lakh per kilo, could be used in a sachet of pan masala, which actually costs Rs 5 lakh. He claimed that the statement was misleading to consumers and amounted to false advertising.
Acting on the complaint, the Kota Consumer Court issued a notice to both Salman Khan and the manufacturer of Rajshree products, directing them to submit their responses before November 27.
Celebrities put under the spotlight
The petitioner also expressed a larger concern that celebrity endorsements could strongly influence younger viewers who may be attracted to such products because their favorite stars are promoting them. Pan masala and similar products have long been criticized for posing serious health risks, including oral cancer and addiction.
Salman Khan appeared in advertisements for Rajshree Elaichi, a cardamom-based product from the same company that produces Rajshree Pan Masala. While reports suggest it does not directly support the pan masala variety, the complaint alleges that the two products are closely related, potentially creating confusion among consumers.
This case has reignited the debate about the social responsibility of celebrities for endorsing potentially harmful products. Over the years, many stars, including Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn and Shah Rukh Khan, have faced criticism for promoting pan masala brands.
The consumer court will take up the matter again on November 27, when both the player and the company are expected to respond to the allegations.
