Ajay Devgn Files HC Plea Over Pan Masala Ad Controversy

Devgn Takes FDA Pan Masala Notice To HC; SRK, Tiger Shroff Still In Crosshairs

Ajay Devgn takes FDA pan masala notice to HC; SRK, Tiger Shroff still in crosshairs

By Front Row2 hours ago1 min read

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Ajay Devgn has approached the Bombay High Court in response to a show-cause notice issued by the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration over his involvement in a promotional campaign for Vimal Elaichi pan masala. The move was confirmed on Friday by Tukaram Mundhe, Commissioner of the FDA, during a media briefing in Mumbai.

Mundhe revealed that while Devgn has sought judicial intervention, the agency is moving forward with adjudicative proceedings, which are expected to begin by next week. The notice, sent in August, was part of a broader action against three high-profile actors — Devgn, Shah Rukh Khan, and Tiger Shroff, for allegedly promoting a banned product through indirect means.

The FDA contends the ad constitutes surrogate advertising for pan masala and tobacco, both prohibited in Maharashtra since 2012. All three were served a nine-page notice demanding the removal of the ad from social media platforms and requiring written explanations. Though reports indicate they have responded, none have issued an official statement.

The case has now been referred to the Joint Commissioner, who holds the authority to adjudicate. The Assistant Commissioner had already concluded preliminary hearings and found sufficient grounds to proceed. Mundhe emphasized that the legal challenge by Devgn does not halt the process. The controversy points to growing regulatory scrutiny of celebrity endorsements in health-sensitive sectors, particularly those linked to tobacco products.

No further details about the nature of Devgn’s plea or the specific arguments raised have been disclosed.