The stay was granted while hearing a revision petition filed by Rajshree Pan Masala, challenging an earlier order of the Kota District Consumer Commission. The district commission had directed that Salman Khan’s signatures on legal documents submitted in the case be examined by a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) after objections were raised over their authenticity.
The case originates from a complaint filed by advocate and BJP leader Indramohan Singh Honey, who accused Rajshree Pan Masala and its brand ambassador, Salman Khan, of promoting misleading advertisements. The complaint alleged that claims of “saffron-infused” cardamom and pan masala were deceptive, given the high market price of saffron compared to the low retail cost of the product.
During proceedings before the district commission, the complainant questioned the authenticity of the signatures on the power of attorney and written reply filed on Salman Khan’s behalf, alleging that they did not match his known signatures from earlier legal records. On this basis, the district commission ordered a forensic examination under provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and the Indian Evidence Act.
Challenging this order, Rajshree Pan Masala argued that the district commission failed to first decide on the maintainability of the complaint. Counsel for the company submitted that ordering a forensic test at a preliminary stage was premature and legally unsustainable.
The revision petition also stated that Salman Khan’s endorsement pertained to cardamom and not pan masala. It further noted that the complainant had previously filed a similar complaint against another brand, which was later withdrawn. The company contended that it had already reached an understanding with the actor to avoid prolonged litigation and was therefore adversely affected by the district commission’s directive.
The state consumer commission accepted these arguments, stayed the FSL examination order, and referred the matter to the Kota Circuit Bench for adjudication.
Earlier, on November 3, notices were issued to Salman Khan and Rajshree Pan Masala. In his response, filed through counsel, the actor maintained that the complaint was not maintainable and that jurisdiction lay exclusively with the Central Consumer Protection Authority. He also denied endorsing any saffron-based pan masala product.
The case will now be heard afresh by the circuit bench.
