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

Detailed Legal Analysis

To complain about a misleading advertisement regarding a health product in Nagpur, you can follow the procedures laid out under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and the guidelines provided by the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI).

Here are the steps you can take to file a complaint:

• Gather Evidence: Collect all relevant information regarding the misleading advertisement, including:
• Copies or screenshots of the advertisement.
• Details of the health product being advertised.
• Any other supporting documents, such as receipts or promotional materials.
• File a Complaint with the ASCI: The ASCI provides a platform for addressing misleading advertisements. You can:
• Visit the ASCI website and fill out the complaint form.
• Provide details of the advertisement and why you believe it is misleading.
• Pay the nominal fee required for filing the complaint.
• Consumer Forum Approach: If you seek compensation or are dissatisfied with the ASCI’s response, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Forum under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. Here’s how:
• Identify the appropriate Consumer Forum based on the value of the claim:
• District Forum (for claims up to ₹20 lakhs)
• State Commission (for claims between ₹20 lakhs and ₹1 crore)
• National Commission (for claims above ₹1 crore)
• Draft a complaint detailing:
• Your name and address.
• The name and address of the manufacturer or service provider.
• The facts of the case, including how the advertisement misled you.
• Your claim for relief or compensation.
• Submit the complaint along with the necessary documents and pay the applicable court fees.
• Contact the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA): You can also lodge a complaint with the CCPA, which has the authority to take action against misleading advertisements. This can be done by:
• Filling out the complaint form available on the CCPA's website.
• Providing all necessary details and evidence related to the misleading advertisement.

It’s important to note that misleading advertisements are governed under the provisions of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (Section 420 - Cheating) and the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 (Section 2(28) - Definition of misleading advertisement). Engaging with these regulatory frameworks will help ensure your complaint is taken seriously.