Salman Khan Faces Trouble Over Pan Masala Ad: Court Summons Actor to Appear in Person on January 20

Bollywood megastar Salman Khan has landed in legal trouble once again — this time over a controversial pan masala advertisement. A consumer court in Kota, Rajasthan, has issued a summons to the actor, questioning misleading claims made in the commercial and even raising concerns about the authenticity of documents submitted on his behalf.

The matter has sparked a larger debate: should the public trust everything endorsed by their favorite celebrities?

The Dispute Behind the Advertisement

The controversy began after advocate Indra Mohan Singh Hani filed a complaint before the consumer commission. He alleged that the brand Rajshree Pan Masala, promoted by Salman Khan, has been misleading customers by advertising its product as “kesar-yukt” — meaning infused with saffron.

The complaint highlights a fundamental pricing discrepancy that any consumer would question. As per the petitioner, genuine saffron costs nearly ₹4 lakh per kilogram in the Indian market. Yet the company claims to be selling a saffron-mixed product at just ₹5 per pouch. The complainant argues that such a claim is practically impossible and merely a clever marketing gimmick to attract consumers, especially impressionable youth, towards harmful tobacco-based products.

Health experts have long warned that pan masala and similar addictive products can lead to serious diseases including oral cancer. Misleading advertisements, the petitioner argues, create a false perception of safety and quality — a dangerous deception when amplified by a massive celebrity influence like Salman Khan’s.

Forgery Allegations Deepen the Case

What began as a simple consumer complaint gained seriousness during court proceedings. When Salman Khan’s legal representatives submitted a response and a power of attorney in his name, the petitioner raised doubts regarding the signatures on these documents.

According to the complaint, the actor’s signatures in the court filings do not match the ones he previously provided at Jodhpur jail and court during past legal cases. This mismatch suggests the shocking possibility that fabricated or unauthorized documents may have been submitted to the court — a potential criminal offense.

To ensure the truth is established, the court ordered a forensic examination of the signatures. This step clearly signals how seriously the judiciary is treating the allegations.

Court’s Firm Stand: Salman Must Appear Personally

Considering both the misleading advertisement complaint and the suspected document forgery, Kota Consumer Court has now directed Salman Khan to remain present in person for the next hearing. The date has been set for January 20, and the actor has been instructed to provide direct clarification before the court.

Additionally, the lawyer who notarized the questioned documents — identified as R.C. Chaubey — has also been summoned for further investigation.

A Test of Accountability for Celebrity Endorsements

This case has sparked a much-needed public conversation on the responsibility held by stars with massive influence. Fans often see actors like Salman Khan as trustworthy figures. When they endorse a product, the audience frequently assumes it is safe and reliable — sometimes without verifying the facts.

But as this case shows, endorsements are not merely business deals; they can impact public health and consumer rights. Courts stepping in may help set a new precedent where celebrities must ensure that claims they promote stand true.

Whether Salman Khan can justify the advertisement and the documents presented remains to be seen. All eyes are now on January 20, when the superstar will have to personally respond to the serious allegations before the court.