Rajasthan Consumer Commission Dismisses Salman Khan's Petition on Misleading Ads
The Rajasthan State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has firmly dismissed revision petitions filed by Bollywood superstar Salman Khan and Rajshree Pan Masala concerning allegations of misleading advertisements. This significant decision was issued on Monday by a bench led by Justice Devendra Kachhawaha, alongside judicial member Arun Kumar Agrawal and member Liyaqat Ali, marking a pivotal moment in consumer protection enforcement.
Legal Challenge Over Jurisdiction and Consumer Definition
In their petitions, Salman Khan and Rajshree Pan Masala contested prior orders from a district consumer commission. They argued that actions against misleading advertisements should exclusively be initiated by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) based in New Delhi or by authorized officers appointed under central regulations. Furthermore, they contended that the complainant in this case does not meet the legal definition of a "consumer," thereby questioning the validity of the proceedings.
The state commission, however, robustly countered these arguments. It emphasized that centralizing such powers solely in New Delhi could severely hinder effective and timely consumer relief across India, potentially leaving consumers in remote areas without accessible recourse. This stance underscores the commission's commitment to decentralized consumer justice.
Background of District Commission Rulings
The district consumer commission had previously issued rulings on January 6 and January 15, which imposed restrictions on Rajshree Pan Masala's promotional activities. These orders mandated court supervision for obtaining Salman Khan's signature in related matters, aiming to prevent further dissemination of potentially deceptive marketing content.
The dismissal of the revision petitions reinforces these earlier decisions, ensuring that consumer protection mechanisms remain robust and accessible at the state level. This case highlights the ongoing scrutiny of celebrity endorsements and corporate advertising practices in India.
Legal experts suggest this ruling could set a precedent for similar cases involving high-profile personalities and misleading claims, encouraging stricter adherence to advertising standards. Consumers and advocacy groups have welcomed the decision as a victory for transparency and accountability in the marketplace.
