Bollywood Superstar Salman Khan has firmly denied endorsing gutkha or pan masala, insisting in a detailed submission before the Kota Consumer Court that he only promoted silver-coated cardamom seeds, a product he claims does not fall under the prohibited category. The clarification came in response to a public interest complaint accusing him of misleading the youth through advertisements for Rajshree Pan Masala.

Khan’s counsel, advocate Ashish Dubey, argued that the actor is neither the manufacturer nor distributor of pan masala and therefore the consumer forum lacks jurisdiction over him. He described the inclusion of Salman’s name in the case as legally untenable and causing “unnecessary harassment” to the celebrity, who has consciously distanced himself from tobacco-related promotions.

The controversy centres on advertisements showing Khan promoting “saffron-coated” and “silver-coated” mouth fresheners sold in ₹5 pouches. Complainants, including BJP leader Inder Mohan Singh Honey, allege the branding is deliberately deceptive because genuine saffron cannot be used at such low prices, and the real intent being to lure youngsters towards addictive tobacco-laced products that contribute to mouth cancer.

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In a surprising twist, complainant Pradeep Instructor Singh Hani questioned the authenticity of signatures on Salman Khan’s written reply, demanding that the court summon the actor in person for verification. Khan’s legal team has countered by requesting an inquiry into the signature dispute while maintaining that the product he endorsed was purely cardamom-based and fully compliant with advertising regulations.

The next hearing is scheduled for December 9, when the court will decide on jurisdiction, signature verification and whether the case against the actor should proceed. The episode has reignited the debate over celebrity responsibility in promoting oral products, with critics urging stricter guidelines to prevent stars from indirectly encouraging tobacco consumption among impressionable fans.

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