Salman Khan has been directed by the Kota consumer court to appear in person in the ongoing pan masala advertisement case. The court has also sought forensic examination of the power of attorney signature submitted on his behalf.
A consumer court in Kota, Rajasthan, mandated Bollywood actor Salman Khan to appear in person regarding a case related to a potentially misleading advertisement for pan masala.
The court also ordered a forensic analysis of the signature on the power of attorney submitted in the case.
The next hearing is scheduled for January 20.
The complaint was filed on October 15 by advocate Indra Mohan Singh Honey, who also serves as a BJP leader. He argued that both Rajshree Pan Masala and Salman Khan are deceiving consumers with their advertisement featuring saffron-infused cardamom and saffron-infused pan masala.
He pointed out that saffron, which costs around Rs 4 lakh per kilogram, cannot realistically be included in a pouch of pan masala priced at just Rs 5.
Singh contended that the advertisement is misleading the public, particularly youth, leading them towards harmful habits that can result in severe health issues such as cancer.
During a previous hearing on December 9, Singh raised concerns regarding the authenticity of Khan’s signature on the power of attorney and the response submitted to the court, requesting an investigation into the issue.
In response to the allegations, the court has ordered a forensic examination of Khan’s signature and instructed him to be present in court on January 20, along with advocate RC Choubey, who notarized the power of attorney and the response.
Singh noted,
“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.”
Singh also mentioned that he plans to file a case of forgery against Khan and others involved, as these allegedly forged documents were presented to the court.