Salman Khan gets major relief by Rajasthan HC in pan masala ad case

On Friday, the Rajasthan High Court issued a stay on the consumer forum proceedings against actor Salman Khan. The case involves allegations of misleading advertisements related to pan masala, in which the Bollywood star is featured.

Actor Challenges Consumer Court Orders in High Court

Anuroop Singhi, a judge, has issued an order in response to a petition filed by Khan, who contested earlier rulings from consumer dispute commissions in Jaipur. These rulings had restricted advertisements and issued warrants against Khan, which were later upheld by a state commission.

Khan simultaneously appealed to the National Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission (NCDRC) and challenged the consumer proceedings in the High Court. Khan's lawyer, GS Bapna, argued that Khan only endorsed the product and did not advertise pan masala, deeming the complaint invalid.

Bapna further argued that the District Commission lacked jurisdiction over misleading advertisement complaints, which fall under the Central Consumer Protection Authority. He also stated that the initial order was issued without proper notice and that contempt proceedings were improperly initiated. Additionally, he contested the issuance of warrants without proper findings.

The High Court acknowledged Khan's appeal to the NCDRC, which had already suspended the warrants. Consequently, the High Court has stayed the consumer proceedings and requested a response from the complainant, Yogendra Singh Badiyal. The court has also stayed proceedings against Rajshree Pan Masala's manufacturer.

Consumer Complaint Against Rajshree Pan Masala and Salman Khan

In December 2025, advocate Yogendra Singh Badiyal filed a complaint against Rajshree Pan Masala and Salman Khan. The complaint alleged that advertisements for 'Rajshree Elaichi' were a surrogate promotion for pan masala and constituted misleading advertising under the Consumer Protection Act of 2019. Khan was named as a defendant due to his role as a brand ambassador. The next hearing for this case is scheduled for May 12.