Salman Khan Faces Legal Action Over Alleged Misleading Pan Masala Advertisement

Bollywood actor Salman Khan has been named in a complaint filed before the Kota Consumer Court in Rajasthan, alleging that his endorsement of a pan masala brand involved misleading advertising claims. The case has sparked debate over the growing accountability of celebrity endorsements in India.

The complaint was filed by Inder Mohan Singh Honey, a senior BJP leader and advocate at the Rajasthan High Court, who has questioned the authenticity of the product’s claims and the ethics of promoting such products to a mass audience. The court has issued notices to Salman Khan and the manufacturing company, Rajshree Pan Masala, seeking formal responses. A hearing has been scheduled for November 27, 2025.

The Allegation: “Saffron-Infused” Claim Under Scrutiny

The core of the complaint challenges Rajshree Pan Masala’s marketing message, which promotes its product as “saffron-infused cardamom” or “saffron-infused pan masala.” According to the petitioner, this claim is “factually misleading” because the retail price of Rs 5 per sachet makes it implausible for genuine saffron — which costs nearly Rs 4 lakh per kilogram — to be included in meaningful quantities.

Honey argued that such advertising manipulates consumer trust and violates the Consumer Protection Act, which prohibits false or exaggerated product representations. He added that while the product implies premium ingredients, it primarily appeals to lower-income groups and youth, potentially encouraging harmful consumption habits.

“Celebrities and film stars have a responsibility toward society. In other countries, they refuse to promote even soft drinks, while here, public figures endorse pan masala products linked to oral cancer,”
said Advocate Honey while speaking to the media.

Impact on Youth and Public Responsibility

The complaint goes beyond product misrepresentation, raising concerns about the social impact of celebrity endorsements. Pan masala products, although legally distinct from tobacco, have long been associated with rising cases of oral and throat cancers due to similar ingredients and usage patterns.

Honey’s petition stresses that such advertising indirectly normalizes harmful consumption and shapes impressionable young minds, especially when endorsed by popular figures like Salman Khan, who has a massive youth following.

“When influential actors promote products associated with health risks, they unintentionally validate their use. Such influence has long-term consequences,”
the petition states.

The complaint requests the court to order a ban on the advertisements and demand accountability for allegedly misleading consumers through deceptive ingredient claims.

Court Proceedings and Industry Implications

The Kota Consumer Court has taken cognizance of the complaint and issued notices to both Salman Khan and Rajshree Pan Masala. Both parties are expected to submit replies before the next hearing. As of now, neither the actor nor the company has released an official statement.

The case reignites discussions about advertising ethics and celebrity accountability in India, especially under the Consumer Protection (Celebrity Endorsement) Rules, 2022, which mandate that public figures verify the claims of any brand they represent.

If proven misleading, the advertisement could invite penalties or corrective action under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and ASCI (Advertising Standards Council of India) guidelines.

A Larger Debate on Influence and Integrity

The controversy highlights a recurring issue in Indian advertising — the blurred line between glamour and responsibility. As brands increasingly use celebrity power to influence purchasing decisions, the call for ethical marketing and verified claims grows stronger.

For now, all eyes are on the upcoming November 27 hearing, where the court will decide whether the “saffron” claim was a case of creative exaggeration or a breach of consumer trust.