Bollywood Stars Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, and Ajay Devgn Receive Court Notices Over Tobacco Ads
In a recent development, Bollywood icons Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, and Ajay Devgn have been served court notices for their involvement in advertisements promoting tobacco products. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) issued these notices on October 20, as revealed by Deputy Solicitor General SB Pandey to the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court. The case, addressing a contempt of court petition, is set for the next hearing on May 9, 2024.
Criticism has been directed at celebrities, particularly those honored with the ‘Padma’ awards, for endorsing products that pose a threat to public health. Lawyer Motilal Yadav filed a petition challenging this practice, leading to the issuance of contempt notices to the Cabinet Secretary, Chief Commissioner, and Central Consumer Protection Authority in August 2023. The action was taken after they failed to respond to notices sent in September 2022 as part of the investigation. Solicitor General SB Pandey clarified to the court that notices were subsequently issued to actors who endorsed tobacco products.
Justice Rajesh Singh Chouhan informed the bench that show cause notices were sent to Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, and Ajay Devgn on October 20. Additionally, it was revealed that Amitabh Bachchan had sent a legal notice to the tobacco company for featuring his advertisement despite the termination of his contract. The court has scheduled the next hearing for this case on May 9, 2024.
