I saw a misleading advertisement about a health product in Cuttack, how to complain?

Detailed Legal Analysis

If you have encountered a misleading advertisement about a health product in Cuttack, you can file a complaint with the appropriate authorities to seek redressal.

In India, misleading advertisements are governed by the provisions laid out in the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and the guidelines set by the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI). Here are the steps you can follow to lodge your complaint:

• Document the Advertisement: Retain copies or screenshots of the advertisement that you believe is misleading. Note the details such as the date, medium (TV, print, online), and specific claims made.
• Identify the Offending Party: Determine the manufacturer or the company behind the health product. This information is usually available on the advertisement or the product packaging.
• File a Complaint with ASCI:
  • Visit the official ASCI website and look for the 'Complaint' section.
  • Fill out the complaint form, providing details including your contact information, the nature of the complaint, and any evidence you have gathered.
  • ASCI will review your complaint and may take action against the advertiser if it finds the advertisement misleading.
• Approach the Consumer Forum:
  • If you seek compensation or have a grievance beyond just reporting the misleading advertisement, you can file a complaint under Section 2(1)(c) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
  • Prepare your complaint detailing how the misleading advertisement has affected you, along with supporting documents.
  • Submit your complaint to the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum in Cuttack. The complaint can be filed in person or online through the National Consumer Helpline.
• Contact the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI):
  • If the product claims health benefits that are not substantiated, you can also complain to FSSAI, as it regulates health and nutritional claims made by food products.
  • Visit the FSSAI website to file a complaint about misleading health claims.
• Follow Up: Keep track of your complaints, and be prepared to provide any additional information if requested by ASCI, the Consumer Forum, or FSSAI.

By taking these steps, you can contribute to consumer awareness and help in curtailing misleading advertisements in the health sector.