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

Detailed Legal Analysis

If you have encountered a misleading advertisement about a health product in Ranchi, you can file a complaint with the relevant authorities under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) guidelines.

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

• Identify the Nature of Misleading Advertisement: Determine how the advertisement is misleading. It could be due to false claims, exaggeration of benefits, or lack of scientific evidence.
• Gather Evidence: Collect all relevant materials that support your claim, including:
  • Copies of the advertisement (print, digital, etc.)
  • Photographs or screenshots
  • Receipts or invoices of the product, if applicable
  • Any other documentation that proves the claims made in the advertisement are false or misleading
• File a Complaint with Consumer Forum: You can approach the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum in Ranchi. Under Section 12 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, you can file a complaint if you are a consumer who has been affected. The process involves:
  • Drafting a complaint stating the details of the misleading advertisement
  • Filing the complaint along with the required documents and a nominal fee
• Contact ASCI: Additionally, you can file a complaint with the Advertising Standards Council of India. This can be done through:
  • Visiting their website and filling out the complaint form
  • Providing details of the advertisement and how it violates the ASCI code
• Follow Up: After submitting your complaint, ensure you follow up with the respective bodies for updates on the status of your complaint. You may also receive a response or request for additional information.

In the event that you do not receive a satisfactory resolution, you may consider escalating the matter to higher authorities or seeking legal advice for further action.

Relevant laws include:

• Consumer Protection Act, 2019 – Sections 2(1)(c), 12.
• Indian Penal Code, 1860 – Sections 420 (cheating), 499 (defamation), if applicable.
• Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) Code – Principles and guidelines for ethical advertising.