Legal heat on Salman Khan over pan masala promotion; hearing on Nov 27

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has found himself at the centre of a legal controversy after a complaint was filed in the Kota Consumer Court, accusing him of endorsing a “misleading” advertisement for a popular pan masala brand.

The complaint, lodged by Inder Mohan Singh Honey, a senior BJP leader and Rajasthan High Court advocate, targets both the actor and the manufacturer of Rajshree Pan Masala. It alleges that the advertisements falsely claim the product contains “saffron-infused cardamom” and “saffron-infused pan masala”, a claim the complainant calls “deceptive and scientifically illogical.”

Honey questioned the feasibility of using saffron — which costs nearly ₹4 lakh per kilogram — in a product sold for ₹5 per packet. He argued that such marketing tactics mislead consumers and, more importantly, encourage impressionable youth to consume products that are linked to serious health risks, including cancer.

“The company, Rajshree Pan Masala, and its brand ambassador Salman Khan, are promoting the product under the false pretext of containing saffron. As a celebrity and role model, Salman should be more responsible,” Honey told ANI. “Celebrities abroad refuse to endorse even soft drinks, but here they are promoting products that contribute to mouth cancer. This sends the wrong message to the youth.”

Taking cognisance of the complaint, the Kota Consumer Court has issued notices to both Salman Khan and the company, seeking their formal response. The case is scheduled for hearing on November 27, 2025.

The court will now examine whether the advertisement violates consumer protection norms and if Khan, as the brand’s public face, bears any accountability for the claims made. As of now, neither Salman Khan nor the Rajshree Pan Masala company has responded to the allegations.

This is not the first time a Bollywood celebrity has been accused of misleading endorsements — but the case against Salman Khan could reignite the larger debate on celebrity responsibility and ethics in brand promotions, especially for products associated with health risks.