New Delhi, 17 August (H.S.): The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) decision to issue notices to Bollywood actors Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff in connection with the promotion of Vimal Elaichi is fully in accordance with the law and is a welcome step, Member of Parliament and Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) National Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal said on Monday.
Reacting to the action, Khandelwal said it should send out a clear message that laws, regulations and consumer interests remain paramount in the country and that no individual’s popularity or celebrity status can exempt them from complying with the law.
Khandelwal said it was deeply concerning that some prominent Bollywood personalities associate themselves with the promotion of products purely for commercial gains when serious legal and ethical questions have repeatedly been raised over their advertising and branding.
He said millions of people look up to these celebrities as role models, which places an even greater responsibility on them. If they are seen disregarding rules themselves, it sends the wrong message to society and weakens respect for the law.
He said, unfortunately, disregarding laws and regulations appears to have become a trend in recent times. Whether it involves high-profile celebrities or certain foreign direct investment (FDI)-backed companies operating in India, there have been several instances where attempts have allegedly been made to deliberately cross regulatory boundaries or interpret rules arbitrarily. He termed the trend extremely serious and said it could not be accepted under any circumstances.
Khandelwal emphasised that uniform rules must apply to everyone associated with business, industry, entertainment or any other sector. If ordinary citizens and small traders are required to comply with the law, major brands, large corporations and prominent personalities must also be held to the same standards.
He said respect for the law is the foundation of a healthy business environment and a responsible society.
Khandelwal expressed hope that the Maharashtra FDA would conduct a fair and transparent investigation into the matter and take appropriate action, ensuring that no individual or organisation in the future attempts to circumvent regulations on the strength of popularity, influence or financial power.
He said the rule of law must remain firmly established in the country and that the principle that no one is above the law must be reflected in practice as well.
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration had, a day earlier, issued show-cause notices to actors Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff over an advertisement for Vimal Elaichi. Pan masala is currently banned in Maharashtra, prompting the state FDA to take the advertisement seriously.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
