Bollywood actor Salman Khan has once again found himself at the center of legal controversy, after a consumer court in Kota, Rajasthan, issued a notice against him over allegations of misleading advertising. The court has scheduled the next hearing for November 27, summoning responses from all concerned parties.
According to Indian media reports, the complaint revolves around Salman Khan’s promotional endorsement of a product marketed by the Rajshree Group, a well-known manufacturer of pan masala and related spice products. The advertisement in question reportedly features Salman Khan suggesting that every granule of the product contains saffron. The claim, the petitioner argues, is misleading and intended to influence consumers, particularly young viewers who regard the actor as a role model.
The petitioner, BJP leader and advocate Indermohan Singh Honey, argued before the court that such endorsements directly contribute to the promotion of substances linked to serious health risks, including oral cancer. He stressed that while many countries discourage or prohibit celebrities from endorsing harmful products—even soft drinks in some cases—Indian film stars continue to publicly endorse items like pan masala and tobacco-related blends, conveying what he described as “a dangerous and misleading message” to the public.
Honey further questioned the authenticity of the saffron claim, stating that the market value of one kilogram of genuine saffron can be around ₹400,000 (approximately $4,800 USD), whereas the product endorsed by Salman Khan is available for as little as ₹5 per sachet. “It is not logically possible for a product sold at such a low price to contain real saffron,” he argued, adding that this “misrepresentation amounts to deception and consumer manipulation.”
The Kota Consumer Court has directed Salman Khan, as well as the manufacturing company, to submit formal replies addressing the allegations. The matter has sparked renewed debate in India over celebrity responsibility in advertising, especially involving products linked to public health concerns. Social media users and public health advocates have also joined the discussion, urging for stricter regulatory oversight over endorsements by high-profile figures.
This is not the first time Salman Khan has faced legal scrutiny, though the latest case adds to a growing conversation around ethical advertising practices in India’s entertainment and commercial sectors. The court will continue proceedings later this month, where further arguments will determine the possible legal implications for both the actor and the brand.
