Post by : Jyoti Gupta
Photo:PTI
In Bharatpur, Rajasthan, a legal case has created ripples across the worlds of cinema, automobiles, and consumer rights. Two of Bollywood’s biggest icons — Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone — along with automobile giant Hyundai and its dealers, have been named in a First Information Report (FIR) after a customer alleged that his expensive SUV turned out to be defective and unsafe.
The FIR was filed at Mathura Gate police station by advocate Kirti Singh, a 50-year-old resident of Rajasthan, who claims that he was cheated and put in danger due to serious technical issues in his car. What makes the case particularly striking is that Singh has not only accused Hyundai and its dealers but also the celebrity brand ambassadors of the car company.
The Complaint in Detail
According to the FIR, Mr. Singh purchased a Hyundai Alcazar SUV in 2022 from a dealership in Sonipat, Haryana. He paid nearly ₹23.97 lakh for the vehicle. At first, the purchase seemed like a dream — Alcazar was marketed as a premium family car, offering luxury features, comfort, and safety.
However, the problems reportedly began soon after he drove the car home. Singh has alleged that the car developed repeated and dangerous faults, especially while accelerating or attempting to overtake another vehicle on highways.
He described the issue in his complaint:
* The car vibrates heavily when pressed for more speed.
* The speed does not increase, even when accelerating.
* The engine management system warning light frequently appears, signaling malfunction.
Singh claimed these faults endangered his life and the safety of his family on several occasions. He says there were moments when the car’s lack of response during overtaking could have led to serious accidents.
Dealership’s Response
When Singh reported the issue to the Sonipat dealership, he was told that the matter was related to a manufacturing defect by Hyundai. Instead of offering a complete replacement or permanent solution, the dealership allegedly carried out only temporary fixes, which did not resolve the core problem.
Frustrated by the lack of action, Singh highlighted that:
* The defect kept returning repeatedly.
* He continues to pay his car loan for a vehicle he considers unsafe.
* The ongoing situation has caused him financial strain, mental stress, and emotional suffering.
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Why Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone Are Named
What turned this from a consumer case into a national headline is the inclusion of Bollywood’s biggest stars, Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone, in the FIR.
Both actors have been brand ambassadors for Hyundai India, appearing in advertisements, TV campaigns, and product launches to promote Hyundai cars, including premium models like the Alcazar.
In his complaint, Singh alleged that:
* Hyundai, its dealers, and its celebrity endorsers already knew about the defects in the vehicle.
* They concealed the problems while promoting the brand.
* This amounts to cheating, criminal breach of trust, and conspiracy.
By naming the actors, Singh has made the case more high-profile, drawing the attention of not only legal experts but also fans, media, and industry observers.
Police Action
Police in Bharatpur confirmed that an FIR has been registered against all the named parties. The case has been filed under sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) related to cheating, breach of trust, and conspiracy.
The police have begun their investigation, which will likely involve:
* Examining the car’s defects and technical issues.
* Seeking responses from Hyundai and the Sonipat dealership.
* Reviewing whether the involvement of celebrity endorsers can hold legal weight.
Legal Angle: Can Celebrities Be Held Responsible?
This case has raised an important legal question in India: Can brand ambassadors be held accountable for product defects?
* In the past, several cases have been filed against celebrities for endorsing products later found defective or misleading.
* Courts have, at times, asked celebrities to be more responsible and not blindly endorse products.
* However, it remains legally complex whether actors can be punished for faults in products made by companies.
Legal experts suggest that while companies and dealers bear direct responsibility, endorsers could be accused of misleading advertising if it is proven that they knowingly promoted defective products.
Public and Industry Reaction
The filing of this FIR has caused a stir on social media. Supporters of Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone argue that actors should not be dragged into such cases since they are not directly involved in manufacturing cars. On the other hand, consumer rights activists say that celebrities have a moral responsibility to ensure they do not promote faulty products.
For Hyundai, this comes as a serious reputational issue. The company has long been one of the top-selling carmakers in India, with millions of loyal customers. However, a high-profile complaint like this could dent consumer confidence.
Wider Implications
This incident is not just about one customer’s defective car. It highlights several bigger issues:
1. Consumer Rights in India – How well are customers protected when expensive vehicles turn out defective?
2. Celebrity Accountability – Should stars face legal action if they endorse faulty or misleading products?
3. Corporate Responsibility – How transparent are companies in addressing manufacturing defects?
The case will likely set a precedent on how courts handle celebrity endorsements tied to defective products in the future.
The FIR filed in Rajasthan against Hyundai, Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, and others is not a small matter. It mixes the worlds of law, consumer safety, business ethics, and celebrity culture.
For advocate Kirti Singh, it is a fight for justice and safety. For Hyundai, it is a challenge to its brand reputation. For Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone, it is a test of how far a celebrity’s responsibility goes when promoting products.
The investigation is ongoing, and the coming months will decide whether this case remains a local consumer dispute or turns into a landmark ruling in India’s consumer rights history.
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