The Kota District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has ordered a forensic examination of actor Salman Khan`s signature in connection with a case related to a pan masala advertisement. The court has also asked the actor to appear in person on January 20, along with the relevant documents and the notary concerned.
Salman Khan asked to appear before court
The court passed the order after the complainant, BJP leader and advocate Indramohan Singh Honey, raised concerns about the authenticity of Salman Khan`s signature on the power of attorney as well as the reply submitted before the court. The complainant asked for a forensic verification of the signatures, claiming discrepancies. The consumer court accepted the objection and directed that the signature be inspected by a state-authorised as well as recognised agency or a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL).
The order has been issued under Section 38(9)(d) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and Section 73(2) of the Indian Evidence Act. The court also instructed that Salman Khan must appear personally in court on the next date of hearing along with advocate R.C. Choubey, who had earlier notarised the power of attorney and the reply submitted on his behalf.
Advocate Indramohan Singh Honey claimed that the documents filed on behalf of Salman Khan did not have his authentic signature. He alleged that the signatures on record differed from those made earlier by the actor in Jodhpur jail and during court proceedings. Based on these discrepancies, he sought a forensic examination of the signatures and Salman Khan`s personal appearance, which the court has allowed.
About the petition
The petition was filed in the Kota Consumer Court against Salman Khan and Rajshree Pan Masala Company, alleging misleading advertising. The complainant argued that the advertisement promotes “saffron-infused cardamom,” which he claimed is misleading, as saffron cannot realistically be included in a low-cost pouch.
The petition alleges that such advertisements mislead consumers, especially youth, and contribute to serious health risks. In his response filed on November 27, Salman Khan termed the complaint baseless, arguing that action, if any, lies only with the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA).
His legal team maintained that the advertisement is for silver-coated cardamom, not saffron-infused pan masala, and denied all allegations. On December 9, Salman Khan again denied the claims, asserting that the signatures on record are genuine and match those on his PAN card and passport, and described the objections as frivolous and legally untenable.
The matter will now be heard on January 20, when the court will review the forensic examination process and further proceedings.
(With inputs from IANS)
