The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) has stayed the execution of bailable warrants against actor Salman Khan and has put a hold on further proceedings in a consumer complaint originating from Rajasthan over an alleged misleading pan masala advertisement.
As per media reports, the national consumer body has been hearing a plea filed by Salman Khan challenging the March 16 order of the Rajasthan State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, which had upheld the issuance of bailable warrants by a District Commission in Jaipur.
The bench comprising President Justice (retd) AP Sahi and Member Bharatkumar Pandey has examined the matter related to the issuance of warrants for alleged non-compliance with an interim stay order concerning the advertisement.
The legal team representing Salman Khan, including advocates Parag Khandhar, Chandrima Mitra, Tapan Radkar, and Zara Dhanbhoora, has argued that the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission lacked jurisdiction to initiate proceedings under Section 89 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, which pertains to punishment for false or misleading advertisements. They have contended that such action can only be initiated by the Central Consumer Protection Authority or an authorised officer.
The case has originated from a consumer complaint filed by advocate and social worker Yogendra Singh Badiyal against Rajshree Pan Masala and Salman Khan before the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Rajasthan. The complaint has alleged that advertisements featuring “silver-coated elaichi” were deceptive and indirectly promoted pan masala, a product considered injurious to public health. The complainant has sought a penalty of Rs 50 lakh and a permanent ban on the advertisements.
Earlier, on January 6, the District Commission had issued an interim order restraining the actor and the manufacturer from continuing the promotion of the product until a response was filed.
Subsequently, on January 15, a contempt plea had been filed by the complainant, alleging that despite being aware of the interim stay, the advertisements continued to be displayed at Nayaputa Stadium in Kota.
Following this, the District Commission had issued a bailable warrant against Salman Khan under Section 72 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. The actor’s legal team had challenged the order before the state commission, which had dismissed the appeal on March 16, stating that the District Commission was within its authority to assess compliance with its orders and noting that the actor had not appeared to present his defence.
