Supreme Court: Celebrities, Influencers Equally Liable for Misleading Ads

Bollywood, TV stars, and influencers be careful. In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court cracked down on misleading advertisements endorsed by celebrities and social media influencers. The court ruled that celebrities and influencers will be held equally responsible alongside advertisers for promoting false or misleading products.

IMA's Legal Action Against Patanjali Ayurved Over False Health Claims

This decision comes after the Indian Medical Association (IMA) filed a case against Patanjali Ayurved, a company founded by yoga guru Ramdev, for making false claims about curing diseases with their products.

The Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah, emphasized that endorsements by public figures hold significant weight, and those lending their names and faces to products have a responsibility to act ethically. They highlighted existing Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) guidelines requiring transparency from influencers regarding paid promotions.

Furthermore, the Supreme Court directed the Ministry of Consumer Affairs to provide a detailed report outlining the steps taken to combat deceptive advertising, especially within the food industry.

The court also mandated that advertisers submit self-declarations adhering to the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act of 1994 before broadcasting their advertisements.

This decision by the Supreme Court is a significant step toward promoting responsible advertising practices and protecting consumers from misleading claims, especially those related to health and well-being.

 -Ayushi Sinha

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