Salman Khan faces legal scrutiny for alleged misleading pan masala endorsement in Kota.
Published on: November 5, 2025 at 17:15
Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has found himself at the center of a major legal controversy after a complaint was filed against him in the Kota Consumer Court for allegedly promoting misleading advertisements for Rajshree Pan Masala. The case has quickly captured national attention, driven by the argument that his endorsement claims—particularly, the use of “saffron-infused cardamom” in a product costing only ₹5—are deceptive and risk influencing India’s youth towards potentially harmful consumption habits. With a hearing scheduled for November 27, the debate now circles not just the validity of the brand’s claims, but also the wider responsibility of celebrities as public figures and role models.
The Legal Storm—Celebrity Responsibility Under Scrutiny
The complaint was filed by Inder Mohan Singh Honey, a senior BJP leader and Rajasthan High Court advocate, against both Salman Khan and Rajshree Pan Masala’s manufacturer. Honey’s petition questions the credibility of the saffron claim, noting the ingredient’s significant price (approximately ₹4 lakh per kilogram) compared to the product’s low cost. More critically, the complaint highlights the wider societal impact of such advertising, with pan masala being linked to an alarming rise in cancer cases and adverse health effects among young consumers.
Consumer court officials have pointed out that, in many countries, top celebrities avoid promoting even soft drinks, yet in India some are willing to endorse substances linked to serious health issues. The complaint seeks a formal ban on the advertisements and has prompted the court to request responses from both the actor and the manufacturer. The next step in this high-profile case will shape the broader narrative about responsible advertising and the ethical role of celebrity influencers in India.
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Misleading Claims and Surrogate Advertising—A Deep Dive
At the heart of the controversy is whether the pan masala’s saffron claims can be justified or if they blatantly mislead the public. Saffron, an ingredient costing lakhs per kilogram, seems virtually impossible to include in cheap mass-market packets. Health advocates argue that such surrogate advertising practices—using flavor descriptions or alternative packaging to skirt regulations—endanger consumers by making harmful products more appealing and socially acceptable, especially when endorsed by beloved superstar icons.
The case reignites debate on the ethics of Bollywood endorsement deals, as similar accusations have been made against other celebrities like Ajay Devgn and Shah Rukh Khan for their association with pan masala brands. Critics suggest that these promotions can normalize unhealthy habits, undermine public health efforts, and erode the trustworthiness of ads—a crucial pillar if brands want to succeed under Google Discover’s evolving E-E-A-T framework.
What This Means for Brands and Audiences—EEAT, Discover, and Digital Trust
With Google Discover adapting its platform to prioritize quality, trustworthy content, controversies like this underline the necessity of experience-based reporting, expert citation, and demonstrable authority. Brands must now ensure their marketing meets not just legal standards but also ethical and transparency criteria. Content creators and publishers have a duty to cover these stories in depth, leveraging high-ranking keywords such as “Salman Khan legal trouble,” “pan masala controversy,” and “misleading celebrity endorsements.”
Audiences are more aware than ever of the relationship between celebrity endorsements and consumer behavior. As regulations tighten and public scrutiny grows, it’s vital for influencers and brands to embrace roles as responsible educators, not just entertainers or marketers. For digital publishers, ranking in Google Discover now means offering original, experience-rich perspective and making content transparent, well-sourced, and engaging for the mobile-first generation.
Celebrity Influence—A Personal Perspective on Responsibility
As a content creator and blogger continually tracking news and culture trends, this story perfectly illustrates why fame comes with responsibility. While celebrity endorsements can elevate brand narratives, they also carry immense power to shape collective attitudes and consumer choices. When public figures like Salman Khan face legal scrutiny for questionable advertising, it’s a wake-up call for everyone in digital media: truth and authenticity matter, not just for legal compliance but for long-term trust.
As this case unfolds, there is hope it will inspire new standards for advertising ethics in India—where every voice, from stars to bloggers, can help build a more honest and health-conscious culture.
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