A legal complaint has been filed against bollywood celebrities including Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgan and Ranveer Singh for promoting the consumption of gutka – pan masala and tobacco in advertisements.
Who filled the plea?
Ajay Devgan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Amitabh Bachchan have been accused of promoting gutka and tobacco, hence a petition was filed against them on Thursday in Bihar court.
The plea was filed by city based social activist Tamanna Hashni in front of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Muzaffarpur. She accused that the commercial ads in which the actors are seen, encourage the people to consume the items being advertised.
Ajay Devgan is a brand ambassador of Tobacco brand Vimal from many years.
Shah Rukh Khan also joined the brand last year.
The social activist Tamanna Hashni also mentioned Ranveer Singh in the plea that celebrities ‘misusing their celebrity status’ by agreeing to appear in pan masala and gutka masala commercials.
The plea has sought direction to police FIR against the actor’s under IPC sections 311 (punishment to a thug), 420 (cheating) and 467 and 468 (forgery).
Amitabh Bachchan’s statement
In October 2021, Amitabh Bachchan had also signed for Kamla Pasand as a brand ambassador but later terminated the deal.
His official team released the statement which read, ‘ When Mr Bachchan became associated with the brand,he wasn’t aware it falls under surrogate advertising.
Now, he has terminated the contract with the brand, has written to them about his termination, and has returned the money received for the promotion’.
In November 2021, Amitabh Bachchan sent legal notice to the company because they continued to use ad commercial of company in which Mr. Bachchan is featured despite termination of the deal.
During last month, Akshay Kumar who was seen in tobacco brand Vimal’s ad, also terminated the contract with the company after the public slammed him for promoting Tobacco.
Later, he issued the statement which read, ‘I am sorry, I would like to apologise to you, all my fans and well wishers. Your reaction over the past few days has deeply affected me.
While I have not and will not endorse tobacco, I respect the outpouring of your feelings in light of my association with Vimal Elaichi.
With all humility, I step back. I have decided to contribute the entire endorsement fee towards a worthy cause.
The brand might continue airing the ads till the legal duration of the contract that is binding upon me, but I promise to be extremely mindful in making my future choices.
In return I shall forever ask for your love and wishes.
Watch Akshay Kumar Instagram post.
Read More : West Bengal Government Extends Ban On Gutka, Pan Masala
