Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, & Akshay Kumar summoned by Allahabad High Court over tobacco advertisements

Bollywood icons Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, and Akshay Kumar find themselves in legal hot water following their endorsement of a tobacco brand. The Allahabad court has issued legal notices to these superstars in response to a petition presented to the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court, specifically addressing their participation in tobacco advertisements.

Deputy Solicitor General SB Pandey informed the Lucknow bench that the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) had sent notices to the actors on October 20, citing their association with tobacco companies. The petition, filed by Advocate Motilal Yadav, expressed concerns about celebrities, especially those honored with 'Padma Awards,' endorsing products that pose health risks to the public.

The court had previously issued notices in August 2023 to the Cabinet Secretary, Chief Commissioner, and Central Consumer Protection Authority, seeking contempt action for non-compliance with the September 2022 order directing the petitioner to approach the Government of India.

Deputy Solicitor General SB Pandey informed the bench that show-cause notices were dispatched to the actors on October 20, but despite a representation to the government on October 22, no action was taken. In response, the High Court served a notice to the Cabinet Secretary of the Central Government.

On Friday, Deputy Solicitor General SB Pandey updated the High Court that the Centre had issued show-cause notices to Akshay Kumar, Shah Rukh Khan, and Ajay Devgn.