Kota, 26 Dec

A consumer court in Rajasthan’s Kota on Friday ordered the personal appearance of Bollywood actor Salman Khan and directed a forensic examination of the signature on the power of attorney submitted on his behalf in a case alleging misleading pan masala advertisements.

The court said the next hearing in the matter would be held on 20 January.

The case was filed on 15 October by advocate Indra Mohan Singh Honey, who is also a BJP leader. In his complaint, Singh alleged that Rajshree Pan Masala and Salman Khan were misleading consumers by promoting products described as “saffron-infused cardamom” and saffron-infused pan masala.

Singh argued that the claims were deceptive, questioning how saffron priced at around Rs 4 lakh per kilogram could be offered in a pan masala sachet costing Rs 5. He alleged that such advertisements attract youths towards consuming pan masala, exposing them to serious health risks, including cancer.

During an earlier hearing on 9 December, the complainant objected to the authenticity of Khan’s signature on the power of attorney and the reply filed before the court. He demanded an investigation, alleging discrepancies in the signatures.

On Friday, the consumer court ordered a forensic examination and directed Salman Khan to appear in person on 20 January along with advocate R.C. Choubey, who notarised the power of attorney and the reply submitted to the court.

“The power of attorney and reply submitted on behalf of the actor did not bear his signature. Khan's signature differed from those he had signed in Jodhpur jail and in the court there,” the petitioner said.

“We objected to Khan's signature and demanded an FSL examination of the signature and his personal appearance. The court accepted our objection,” he told PTI.

Singh also said he would register a case alleging forgery of documents against the actor and others involved, claiming forged papers were presented before the court.