In a case of alleged misleading advertisements, the Centre has issued a notice to the gutkha companies and actors Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, and Akshay Kumar.
Earlier, in the PIL against several actors for these advertisements, the Allahabad HC has given two directions to the Centre: First, a guideline should be framed to seize ‘Padma’ awards conferred to these actors and a case be filed against the tobacco companies and the actors; second, a fine of Rs 50 lakh should also be imposed on the actors and the gutkha companies.
The Lucknow bench of Allahabad High Court, Judge Rajesh Singh Chauhan issued a notice to the actors and pan masala companies promoting gutka.
Major action can be taken against the celebrities and pan masala companies promoting gutka. Lucknow’s advocate Motilal Yadav had filed a PIL against the company promoting gutka and the celebrities participating in the promotion.
PIL was filed by Advocate Motilal Yadav on 15 October 2022 and a representation was given to the Government of India to withdraw the award and also a representation was given to the Chief Commissioner of Central Consumer Protection Authority of India.