The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission of Kota has ordered a forensic examination of Bollywood actor Salman Khan’s signature in an ongoing case related to an allegedly misleading pan masala advertisement and has directed the actor to appear in person at the next hearing scheduled for January 20.
The case has originated from a complaint filed by local advocate Indra Mohan Singh Honey on October 15, alleging that Rajshree Pan Masala and its celebrity endorser Salman Khan have misled consumers through advertising claims, as per media reports.
The complainant has argued that the advertisement claimed the product contained “saffron-infused cardamom” and “saffron-infused pan masala,” which he has said was implausible given the high market price of saffron, estimated at nearly Rs 4 lakh per kilogram. He has contended that a product priced at Rs 5 could not reasonably contain saffron in any meaningful quantity.
The complaint has also raised concerns over the health risks associated with pan masala consumption, including links to serious diseases such as cancer, with particular emphasis on the impact of such advertisements on young consumers.
During proceedings held on December 9, Honey has objected to the authenticity of Salman Khan’s signature on the power of attorney and response documents submitted on behalf of the actor. He has alleged discrepancies between the disputed signature and those recorded during the actor’s incarceration in Jodhpur.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the consumer court has directed that the signature be examined by a state-authorised forensic science laboratory.
Reacting to the order, the complainant has said, “We objected to the signature and sought a forensic examination and his personal appearance. The court has accepted our objections.”
