Law & Justice

FDA Wraps Up Investigation into Vimal Pan Masala Ads, Case to Go to Adjudication

By Livemint

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has finished its probe into the Vimal Pan Masala advertising case involving actors Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff. Assistant Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe told PTI that the investigation found the actors had violated Maharashtra’s rules. Three actors had requested time to respond, but the investigation was completed. The FDA will submit the case for adjudication before the joint commissioner, the competent authority, next week. The FDA had argued that the brand was linked to the sale of gutkha and pan masala, which are prohibited in Maharashtra. Adjudication is a quasi‑judicial process that allows regulatory authorities to examine evidence and impose penalties for non‑criminal offences without lengthy court proceedings. A division bench of Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna is expected to hear Devgn’s petition on November 4. Devgn’s petition contends that the notice was issued arbitrarily to him as an actor rather than to the manufacturing company. While Devgn has approached the High Court, the department will continue its proceedings before the joint commissioner. (With PTI inputs)