Ajay Devgn Moves Bombay High Court Following FDA Notice Over Pan Masala Advertisements

Legal Challenge Against FDA Action

Actor Ajay Devgn has filed a petition in the Bombay High Court regarding a show-cause notice issued to him by the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The notice concerns his involvement in promotional advertisements for the 'Vimal Elaichi' brand. State FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe confirmed the development, noting that the actor approached the judiciary several months after receiving the original notice.

Background on FDA Notices

The FDA had previously issued similar show-cause notices to actors Shah Rukh Khan and Tiger Shroff for their participation in advertisements for the same brand. Following these notices, both the actors and the brand representatives were directed to remove the advertisements from all media platforms and provide formal explanations regarding their endorsement contracts and distribution channels.

Status of Proceedings

Despite the ongoing legal challenge by Ajay Devgn, Commissioner Mundhe stated that the departmental proceedings will continue in accordance with the law until the court issues further directives. The current status of the matter is as follows:

• Assistant Commissioner Level: Hearings have concluded.
• Next Step: An adjudication case is expected to be filed before the Joint Commissioner by next week.
• Requirements: The actors were asked to provide evidence confirming whether 'Vimal Elaichi' is an independent product, as 'Vimal Pan Masala' is a tobacco-based product currently prohibited from manufacture, storage, and sale in Maharashtra.

Health Context

Health authorities continue to emphasize the risks associated with smokeless tobacco in India. According to national data registries, the country accounts for approximately 30% of global oral cancer cases, with nearly 80,000 deaths and over 1,43,000 new cases reported annually. The FDA's recent enforcement efforts are part of broader regulatory measures to curb the promotion of substances linked to these health statistics.