Salman Khan failed to appear before the Kota Consumer Court in the Rajshree Pan Masala ad case. The complainant has demanded non-bailable warrants, alleging misleading advertising and harmful celebrity endorsements. The next hearing is scheduled for February 5.
Hearing Held at Kota Consumer Court
Kota: A hearing was held on Tuesday at the Kota Consumer Court in Rajasthan in connection with the controversial Rajshree Pan Masala advertisement case. Bollywood actor Salman Khan, who is named in the case for endorsing the product, was required to appear before the court. However, Salman Khan did not attend the hearing, prompting the court to schedule the next hearing for February 5.
Following Salman Khan’s absence, the complainant requested the court to issue a non-bailable arrest warrant against the actor. The case has been filed by BJP leader and advocate Indra Mohan Singh Hani. Advocate Ripudaman Singh, representing the complainant, informed the court that on December 26, the court had clearly ordered Salman Khan to appear personally on January 20. Despite this directive, the actor failed to comply.
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The complainant also informed the court that in a similar case, the Jaipur Consumer Commission had issued a bailable warrant against Salman Khan on January 15, strengthening the demand for stricter action.
During the hearing, the court was reminded that the rule of law applies equally to everyone, regardless of fame or status. The complainant’s counsel emphasized that no individual, even a major film star, is above the law. It was argued that repeated non-appearance reflects disregard for judicial orders.
The advocate urged the court to issue non-bailable warrants if Salman Khan fails to appear again on February 5. The court accepted the plea for consideration and fixed the next hearing date accordingly.
Along with setting the next hearing date, the court also directed that the receipt of the signatures earlier sent for forensic examination must be submitted on the next date of hearing. This step is considered important for procedural compliance and further progress in the case.
The controversy revolves around a Rajshree Pan Masala advertisement that claims the product contains “saffron-infused cardamom.” The complainant challenged this claim, questioning its feasibility. He argued that when saffron costs approximately ₹4 lakh per kilogram, it is unrealistic for a ₹5 sachet to contain saffron.
The complaint alleges that such advertisements are misleading and deliberately designed to attract consumers, especially the youth, through glamorous celebrity endorsements.
Advocate Indra Mohan Singh further argued that celebrity endorsements significantly influence young people, encouraging them to consume products like pan masala, which are known to be linked to serious health risks, including cancer. The complainant claimed that promoting such products under false or exaggerated claims amounts to deception and violates consumer rights.
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If Salman Khan fails to appear in court on February 5, the possibility of non-bailable arrest warrants being issued could become a reality. The case continues to draw attention due to the involvement of a high-profile celebrity and its implications for truth in advertising and responsible endorsements.
