Kota Court Issues Notice to Salman Khan Over Pan Masala Ad

Bollywood actor Salman Khan has been issued a notice by a consumer court in Kota, Rajasthan, following a complaint regarding alleged misleading advertising related to a pan masala product he endorses.

Salman Khan serves as the brand ambassador for Rajshree, a brand that manufactures elaichi and pan masala. The complaint was filed by Inder Mohan Singh Honey, a senior lawyer and political leader, who claims that the advertisements promoted the product as containing “saffron-infused cardamom” and “saffron-infused pan masala,” which he argues is not possible at the low retail price of ₹5. The cost of saffron, which is approximately ₹4 lakh per kilogram, raises doubts about the authenticity of these claims.

The complaint argues that such misleading claims encourage young consumers to use pan masala—a product known to be a leading cause of mouth cancer. The petitioner further stated that celebrities, being role models, should refrain from promoting products that can cause serious health risks.

The Kota Consumer Court has issued notices seeking responses from both Salman Khan and the manufacturer of Rajshree. The court has set the next hearing for 27 November, awaiting formal replies from the parties involved.

Despite Salman Khan’s association with Rajshree elaichi, he has not appeared in any advertisements for the brand’s pan masala product. However, the complaint emphasizes that the overall branding still poses a risk of influencing consumer behavior, particularly among the youth.