Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgan, and Tiger Shroff have landed in legal trouble over their endorsement of a paan masala brand. A social worker from Kota, Rajasthan, has filed a complaint against them in the Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission for allegedly misleading the youth through such advertisements.
The commission has taken cognizance of the complaint and has not only sent notices to these Bollywood actors but also to the manufacturing company of the product. The accused parties have been asked to respond by April 21.
What Is the Controversy About?
The complaint was filed by social worker Inder Mohan Singh Hani, who argues that these actors are influencing young people by promoting a paan masala product that falsely claims to contain saffron. He stated in his petition that Bollywood stars serve as role models for the youth, and their endorsement of such products impacts millions of followers.
Additionally, the complaint highlights that the product packaging mentions the presence of saffron, but tests did not find any trace of it. Genuine saffron costs around ₹4 lakh per kilogram, making it highly unlikely that a paan masala product priced at just ₹5 contains real saffron.
Is the Saffron Claim False?
According to complainant’s lawyer Vivek Nandwana, the claim that Vimal Pan Masala contains saffron is deceptive.
- The low price of the product casts doubt on whether premium-quality saffron is included.
- The warning label on the product is too small to be legible, making it difficult for consumers to access important information.
The complainant has demanded an immediate ban on misleading advertisements and a hefty fine on both the company and the endorsing actors if found guilty.
Possible Legal Consequences
The petitioner has further requested that any fine imposed on the actors and the company be deposited into the Youth Welfare Fund under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
The Consumer Court Chairman, Anurag Gautam, and member, Virendra Singh Rawat, have ordered Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgan, Tiger Shroff, and the paan masala company to appear in court on February 21, 2025.
Previous Controversies Involving Bollywood Stars
This is not the first time Bollywood celebrities have faced backlash over advertising controversial products.
- Ajay Devgan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Akshay Kumar previously appeared together in a Vimal Elaichi advertisement, which sparked major criticism.
- Following public outrage, Akshay Kumar distanced himself from the endorsement, while Ajay Devgan and Shah Rukh Khan continued their association.
- Now, Tiger Shroff has also become entangled in the controversy, further fueling the debate on celebrity responsibility in endorsements.
This case raises serious ethical and legal questions about misleading advertisements and the role of public figures in influencing consumer behavior.