Consumer court orders Salman Khan’s personal appearance in pan masala ad case; seeks forensic test of signature |
A consumer court in Rajasthan’s Kota on Friday ordered Bollywood actor Salman Khan to appear in person in connection with a complaint alleging a “misleading” pan masala advertisement. The court also directed a forensic examination of the signature on the power of attorney submitted on the actor’s behalf.The court noted that the next hearing in the matter is scheduled for January 20.
Complaint over ‘misleading’ advertisement
The case was filed on October 15 by advocate Indra Mohan Singh Honey, who is also a BJP leader. In his complaint, Singh alleged that Rajshree Pan Masala and Salman Khan misled consumers by promoting pan masala as “saffron-infused cardamom” and saffron-infused pan masala.Questioning the claim, the complainant argued that saffron costs around Rs 4 lakh per kilogram, making it implausible for such an ingredient to be present in a pan masala pouch priced at Rs 5. He further alleged that such advertisements mislead the public, especially the youth, and encourage pan masala consumption, exposing them to serious health risks like cancer.
Objection to Salman Khan’s signature
During the previous hearing on December 9, the petitioner raised objections to Salman Khan’s signature on the power of attorney and the reply filed before the court. He demanded an investigation, claiming discrepancies in the signatures.Acting on the objection, the consumer court ordered a forensic science laboratory (FSL) examination of the signature and directed Salman Khan to be present in person at the next hearing on January 20. The court also asked advocate R.C. Choubey, who notarised the power of attorney and the reply, to appear.
Allegation of forged documents
“The power of attorney and reply submitted on behalf of the actor did not bear his signature. Khan’s signature differed from those he had signed in Jodhpur jail and in the court there,” the petitioner alleged.Speaking to PTI, Singh said, “We objected to Khan’s signature and demanded an FSL examination of the signature and his personal appearance. The court accepted our objection.” He added that he plans to register a separate case alleging forgery of documents against the actor and others involved, claiming that forged documents were presented before the court.
