Court issues legal notices to Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Akshay Kumar over endorsement of tobacco: Report | Hindi Movie News – Times of India

Following their association with a tobacco brand, Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Akshay Kumar have been served legal notices by Allahabad court.
According to a report in Pinkvilla, a petition has been submitted to the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court, targeting celebrities for their involvement in tobacco advertisements.

Deputy Solicitor General SB Pandey has informed the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad Court that the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) issued notices to actors Akshay Kumar, Shah Rukh Khan, and Ajay Devgn for their association with tobacco companies on October 20.

He urged the court to dismiss the petition, citing that the Supreme Court is also addressing the matter. The next hearing on the matter has been fixed for May 9, 2024.

Advocate Motilal Yadav filed a petition expressing concerns about the reported involvement of celebrities, particularly those honored with ‘Padma Awards,’ in endorsing products or items that pose health risks to the general public.
Indeed, in August 2023, the court had previously issued notices to the Cabinet Secretary, Chief Commissioner, and Central Consumer Protection Authority. The plea sought contempt action due to the alleged non-compliance of its September 2022 order, which had directed the petitioner to approach the Government of India.

In response, the bench led by Justice Rajesh Singh Chauhan was apprised by the Deputy Solicitor General that show cause notices were dispatched to the actors on October 20. The petitioner contended that despite a representation to the government on October 22, no action was taken in the matter.
In reaction to the petition, the High Court served a notice to the Cabinet Secretary of the Central Government. Subsequently, on Friday, Deputy Solicitor General SB Pandey apprised the High Court that the Centre had issued show-cause notices to Akshay Kumar, Shah Rukh Khan, and Ajay Devgn.
Previously, megastar Amitabh Bachchan had taken legal action by sending a notice to the tobacco company that continued to display his advertisement even after the contract had been terminated.