Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, Tiger Shroff ‘Violated’ Rules: FDA’s Tukaram Mundhe Concludes Probe In Pan Masala Case

Bollywood stars Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff landed in legal trouble over their advertisements for a pan masala brand. Earlier this year, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued show-cause notices to the actors for allegedly promoting pan masala indirectly, despite it being banned in the state. Now, the department has completed its investigation into the matter. On Friday, FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said the probe found that SRK, Ajay and Tiger had violated state rules. The case will now be referred for adjudication.

According to a report by PTI, Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has completed its investigation into a  involving Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff. The three were accused of promoting a brand that sells a prohibited substance. FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said that the probe found the actors had broken state rules. The case will now be sent for further action next week.

Mundhe told reporters that the three actors had asked for more time to respond to the notices. He, however, added that the assistant commissioner had found them in violation of state rules.

“Three actors sought time to respond. The assistant commissioner has completed the investigation and found that they violated the state’s rules in the Vimal Pan Masala advertising case. The proceedings have now concluded, and the case will be proposed for adjudication before the joint commissioner, who is the competent authority, by next week,” he said.

Now, the authorities will examine the evidence and decide whether any rules have been broken. During adjudication, which is a quasi-judicial process, the authorities can also impose penalties for certain offences without taking the matter to court for a long time.

Meanwhile, actor Ajay Devgn has reportedly moved to the Bombay Court amid the pan masala case. Mundhe confirmed the update during his interaction with reporters. He, however, added that the FDA will continue its proceedings before the joint commissioner.

The update comes months after the FDA sent notices to the three actors over their advertisements for an elaichi product by a pan masala brand. The department alleged that the ads were a form of surrogate advertising for banned products. The authority had asked the actors to explain their association with the campaigns and take steps to stop it. It also warned them against endorsing similar products in the future.