Kota Consumer Court Serves Notice to Salman Khan in Rajshree Pan Masala Complaint

Bollywood star Salman Khan has been formally served a notice by a consumer court in Kota, Rajasthan, after a petition questioned the truthfulness of advertising tied to a pan masala product linked to his brand endorsement.

Mr Khan is the face of Rajshree, known for elaichi and pan masala items. The case was lodged by Inder Mohan Singh Honey, a senior lawyer and political figure, who contends the ads promoted "saffron-infused cardamom" and "saffron-infused pan masala"—claims he says are implausible given the product's low retail price of ₹5. He pointed out that saffron costs roughly ₹4 lakh per kilogram, casting doubt on the veracity of the marketing messages.

The complainant argued that such promotional claims could normalize pan masala use among younger people, despite the product being a major contributor to oral cancer. He urged that public figures, as role models, should avoid endorsing items that pose significant health hazards.

The Kota Consumer Court has issued notices asking both Salman Khan and Rajshree's manufacturer to respond. The matter is listed for the next hearing on 27 November, when the court expects formal replies from the parties involved.

Although Salman Khan is associated with Rajshree elaichi, he has not appeared in advertising specifically for the brand's pan masala. Nevertheless, the petition stresses that the overall branding connection may still sway consumer choices, particularly among youth.