Salman Khan Faces Legal Trouble Over ‘Misleading’ Pan Masala Advertisements, Consumer Court Seeks Response from Actor

Introduction / Main Story

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has landed in legal trouble after a consumer rights complaint accused him of promoting a “misleading” advertisement for a popular pan masala brand.

A district consumer court has reportedly issued a notice to the actor, asking him to submit a formal response regarding the allegations. The case has sparked fresh debate over celebrity responsibility in endorsing products that may have health implications.

Background of the Case

The complaint, filed by a consumer activist, claims that the advertisement — featuring Salman Khan endorsing a branded pan masala product — misleads the public into believing it is safe or harmless.

According to the petitioner, the ad indirectly encourages *tobacco and areca nut consumption, both of which are known to have severe health risks. The complainant argued that as a major public figure with massive influence, Salman Khan’s participation in such promotions violates *ethical and consumer protection norms.

The consumer court, taking note of the allegations, has sought an official clarification from both the actor and the company behind the product.

Court’s Observation and Notice

In its preliminary observation, the court stated that celebrities who lend their image to commercial products carry a “moral and social responsibility” toward the public.
It emphasized that advertisements should not misrepresent harmful products as lifestyle items.

The notice sent to Salman Khan seeks an explanation about his involvement in the campaign and whether adequate due diligence was done before endorsing the brand.
The company’s marketing executives have also been directed to appear before the court in the next hearing.

About the Advertisement

The commercial in question shows Salman Khan promoting a “flavored pan masala” that is portrayed as a premium mouth freshener. Critics argue that despite being marketed as a non-tobacco product, such ads blur the line between harmful and harmless variants, indirectly boosting tobacco-linked sales.

The campaign, launched earlier this year, received widespread attention due to Salman Khan’s star power. However, it also triggered backlash from health organizations and anti-tobacco activists, who said the promotion glamorized a harmful habit.

Public and Expert Reactions

The controversy has reignited discussions around celebrity accountability in India’s advertising industry.
Health experts believe that influential figures like film stars have the ability to shape public behavior and therefore should avoid promoting products associated with health risks.

A senior consumer rights lawyer commented,

“When a superstar endorses a brand, the public tends to trust it blindly. This makes celebrities equally responsible for the consequences of misleading promotions.”

Social media users also reacted strongly, with many questioning why major celebrities continue to endorse pan masala brands despite repeated criticism.

Previous Controversies in Similar Cases

This isn’t the first time a Bollywood celebrity has faced backlash over pan masala endorsements.
Actors like *Amitabh Bachchan, **Ajay Devgn, and *Shah Rukh Khan have also been criticized in the past for promoting similar products.

In 2021, Amitabh Bachchan even withdrew from a campaign after public outcry, stating that he was “not aware of the health implications” associated with the product.
The latest case involving Salman Khan may now put greater legal scrutiny on all such brand deals in the entertainment industry.

Larger Debate: Ethics in Endorsements

The case has once again highlighted the need for stricter advertising regulations in India.
Consumer advocates have urged the government to enforce clearer guidelines that prohibit celebrities from endorsing any product with direct or indirect health risks.

They argue that misleading ads not only deceive consumers but also normalize unhealthy habits, especially among young audiences who look up to film stars as role models.

What Happens Next

The court has given Salman Khan and the brand management team a specific time frame to file their responses.
If the ad is found misleading under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, the actor and company could face penalties or be directed to issue a public apology.

The next hearing is expected later this month, where the court will decide whether to proceed with a full investigation or dismiss the petition based on the replies received.

In Summary

• Salman Khan has been issued a legal notice by a consumer court over a pan masala advertisement.
• The complaint alleges the ad was misleading and encouraged consumption of harmful products.
• The court has sought a formal response from the actor and the company.
• The case revives debate on celebrity responsibility and advertising ethics in India.

Conclusion

The legal notice to Salman Khan is a reminder that celebrity endorsements are no longer above scrutiny.
In an age where advertisements influence millions, public figures are expected to act responsibly and verify the nature of the products they promote.

As the case unfolds, it could set a new precedent for how India views the role of celebrities in advertising — not just as entertainers, but as influencers accountable for public trust.