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

Detailed Legal Analysis

If you have encountered a misleading advertisement about a health product in Mysore, you can file a complaint with the appropriate authorities. The primary legislation governing misleading advertisements in India is the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, along with the guidelines issued by the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI).

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

• Gather Evidence: Collect all relevant information about the advertisement including:
• Photographs or screenshots of the advertisement.
• The publication details (date, source, etc.).
• Any receipts or documentation related to the purchase of the health product, if applicable.
• Identify the Appropriate Authority: Depending on the nature of the advertisement, you may choose to approach:
• The Consumer Forum under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
• The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) for self-regulation in advertising.
• The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) if the product is related to food safety.
• Filing a Complaint: The complaint can be filed as follows:
• Consumer Forum: File a complaint under Section 12 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. You can approach the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Mysore. The complaint can be filed online or in person.
• ASCI: Visit the ASCI website and fill out the complaint form. Ensure you provide detailed information and evidence regarding the misleading advertisement.
• FSSAI: If the health product is related to food and health safety, you can lodge a complaint via the FSSAI website.
• Follow Up: After filing the complaint, keep track of the status. You may need to provide additional information if requested by the authority.
• Legal Action: If the issue is not resolved satisfactorily, you may consider filing a case in a civil court for further redress under Section 2(47) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

By following these steps, you can effectively address the issue of misleading advertisements in Mysore and seek appropriate remedies under the law.