PremiumCAIT files a complaint against Amitabh Bachchan for misleading advertisement, seeks urgent action
The organisation alleges that the brand, through its endorser Amitabh Bachchan, has misled the public regarding the pricing of mobile phones in the Indian smartphone market.
Last Updated: 10.15 AM, Oct 04, 2023
The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has filed a complaint against Amitabh Bachchan and Flipkart with the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs over "misleading" advertising. The CAIT demand is based on Section 2(47) of the Consumer Protection Act, which addresses deceptive advertising and unfair business practices.
Deceptive advertising violates guidelines
B.C. Bhartia, the national president of CAIT, and Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal filed the complaint, claiming that Flipkart had misled the public about the cost of mobile phones from vendors and suppliers in the Indian smartphone market by acting through Amitabh Bachchan (an endorser).
According to Rule 4 of the Guidelines for the Prevention of Misleading Advertisements and Endorsements for Misleading Advertisements, 2022, Flipkart's advertisement is deceptive because it is entirely false, malicious, misleading, and manipulative and contains no genuine or honest representation.
Bhartia and Khandelwal have petitioned the CCPA to order Flipkart to remove the ad and take other disciplinary action against the website. The two claimed that Bacchan had deceived the public and demanded a fine of Rs 10 lakh against him in accordance with Section 89 of the Act.
Amitabh Bachchan's busy schedule amidst controversy
Meanwhile, Bachchan is currently busy with the shoot for the latest season of Kaun Banega Crorepati. The megastar is also gearing up for the release of his upcoming film, Ganapath, directed by Vikash Bahl. The film features Tiger Shroff in the titular role and Kriti Sanon as the female lead. He was last seen in a special appearance in R. Balki's Ghoomer as himself.
Moreover, Big B also plays a pivotal role in Nag Ashwin's Kalki 2898 AD, an epic sci-fi film starring Prabhas and Deepika Padukone in the lead roles. The film also has Kamal Haasan and Disha Patani in pivotal roles. Kalki 2898 AD is likely to be released on January 12, 2024.