Why has Salman Khan been summoned by Kota Consumer Court over a pan masala advertisement?
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Synopsis
In a controversial case, the Kota District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has demanded a forensic analysis of Salman Khan's signature linked to a pan masala advertisement. The court has set a hearing date for January 20, where Khan must appear personally, raising questions about the authenticity of his signatures and the implications for misleading advertising.
Key Takeaways
- Forensic Examination: The court has mandated a forensic review of Salman Khan's signature.
- Personal Appearance: Salman Khan is required to appear in court on January 20.
- Allegations of Misleading Advertising: The case involves claims of misleading advertisements by Rajshree Pan Masala Company.
- Consumer Protection: This case underscores the importance of consumer rights and advertising standards.
- Legal Proceedings: The court's decision sets a precedent for similar cases in the future.
Jaipur, Dec 26 (NationPress) The Kota District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has mandated a forensic analysis of Bollywood star Salman Khan's signature regarding a case tied to a pan masala advertisement.
The court has instructed the actor to appear in person on January 20, accompanied by pertinent documents and the involved notary.
This ruling was issued after the complainant, BJP leader and attorney Indramohan Singh Honey, questioned the authenticity of Salman Khan’s signature on the power of attorney and the response submitted to the court.
The complainant has requested a forensic investigation of the signatures, alleging inconsistencies. The consumer court has accepted this objection and ordered that the signature be examined by a state-authorized agency or a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL).
The directive was issued under Section 38(9)(d) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and Section 73(2) of the Indian Evidence Act.
The court further mandated that Salman Khan must attend the next hearing personally, along with attorney R.C. Choubey, who notarized the power of attorney and the reply submitted on Khan's behalf.
Advocate Indramohan Singh Honey has claimed that the documents provided on Salman Khan's behalf do not bear his authentic signature.
He asserted that the signatures on file are inconsistent with those previously made by the actor while incarcerated in Jodhpur and during court appearances.
Consequently, he sought a forensic examination and the personal appearance of Salman Khan, which the court has now approved. The petition was filed in the Kota Consumer Court against Salman Khan and Rajshree Pan Masala Company, alleging misleading advertisements.
The complainant contended that the advertisement promotes “saffron-infused cardamom,” which he argued is misleading, as saffron is unrealistic to include in a low-cost pouch.
The petition suggests that such advertisements mislead consumers, particularly the youth, contributing to serious health concerns.
In his response submitted on November 27, Salman Khan deemed the complaint unfounded, asserting that any action lies solely with the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA).
His legal team has insisted that the advertisement pertains to silver-coated cardamom, not saffron-infused pan masala, and rejected all allegations.
On December 9, Salman Khan again dismissed the claims, affirming that the signatures in question are genuine and consistent with those on his PAN card and passport, labeling the objections as frivolous and lacking legal merit.
The case is scheduled for another hearing on January 20, when the court will assess the forensic examination process and plan further proceedings.
Point of View
I believe this case highlights the crucial intersection of celebrity influence in advertising and consumer protection laws. The Kota Consumer Court's decision to mandate a forensic examination illustrates the importance of accountability in advertising, particularly when it concerns the health and well-being of consumers. As we await further developments, it is crucial to maintain a balanced perspective, ensuring that both consumer rights and the integrity of individuals are upheld.
NationPress
04/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the forensic examination ordered by the court?
The forensic examination is vital to verify the authenticity of Salman Khan's signature on legal documents, which could impact the legitimacy of the case against him regarding misleading advertising.
What are the allegations against Salman Khan?
Salman Khan is accused of endorsing a pan masala product with misleading claims, particularly involving the promotion of 'saffron-infused cardamom' in a low-cost pouch.
What is the next step in the legal proceedings?
The next hearing is scheduled for January 20, where the court will review the forensic examination findings and decide on further actions.
What is the role of the complainant in this case?
The complainant, advocate Indramohan Singh Honey, raised concerns about the authenticity of Khan's signature and filed a petition against him and Rajshree Pan Masala Company for misleading advertising.
How has Salman Khan responded to the allegations?
Salman Khan has labeled the allegations as baseless and insists that the signatures in question are genuine and consistent with his official identification documents.
