Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, Tiger Shroff Served Notice Over Pan Masala Ad

Jaipur Consumer Commission Seeks Response Within 30 Days

Jaipur’s District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has issued notices to Bollywood actors Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, and Tiger Shroff over an allegedly misleading pan masala advertisement. The commission has also summoned Vimal Kumar Agarwal, chairman of JB Industries, which manufactures Vimal Pan Masala.

Actors and Manufacturer Directed to Respond by March 19

The consumer commission has directed all parties to file their responses within 30 days and appear before it on March 19 at 10 AM. The notice, issued on March 5 by Commission Chairman Gyarsilal Meena and Member Hemlata Agarwal, warns that failure to comply could lead to an ex parte decision.

Complaint Filed Over Alleged False Advertising

The notice follows a complaint by Jaipur-based advocate Yogendra Singh Badiyal, who claims that the advertisement falsely promotes the product with the tagline “Daane daane mein hai kesar ka dum” (Every grain has the power of saffron). According to the complaint, the pan masala does not actually contain saffron, misleading consumers into purchasing a product that may pose serious health risks, including cancer.

Badiyal argues that saffron costs approximately ₹4 lakh per kg, whereas the pan masala is priced at just ₹5 per packet, making it highly unlikely that saffron is an ingredient. He alleges that this misleading claim is luring consumers and benefiting the manufacturer financially.

Demand for Ban and Legal Action

The complainant has demanded:
✔ A ban on the advertisement and the pan masala product.
✔ A penalty on the company and actors for allegedly spreading false information.
✔ Legal action against the misleading promotion that endangers public health.

No Response Yet from Actors or Manufacturer

As of now, Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, Tiger Shroff, and JB Industries have not issued any statements in response to the notice.

Legal Implications and Public Health Concerns

The case highlights concerns over celebrity endorsements of harmful products. Public health experts have repeatedly warned against the dangers of chewing tobacco and pan masala, linking them to oral cancer and other severe health risks.

The consumer commission’s action could set a precedent for accountability in celebrity endorsements, particularly those related to health-impacting products.