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

Detailed Legal Analysis

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

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

• Gather Evidence: Collect all relevant information regarding the misleading advertisement, including:
  • Copies or screenshots of the advertisement.
  • Date and time it was aired or published.
  • Details of the health product being advertised.
• Identify the Authority: You can approach the following authorities:
  • Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI): A self-regulatory body for advertising in India where you can file a complaint regarding misleading advertisements.
  • Consumer Forum: You can file a complaint under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, at the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum in Jabalpur.
  • Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI): If the product is a food item, you can also report to FSSAI.
  • Ministry of Health and Family Welfare: For health-related products, you may write to the ministry as well.
• Filing a Complaint: Prepare your complaint by including:
  • Your name, contact details, and address.
  • A clear description of the misleading advertisement.
  • The harm or potential harm it may cause to consumers.
  • Any other relevant details that support your complaint.
• Submit the Complaint:
  • If filing with ASCI, submit online through their website or via email.
  • For the Consumer Forum, submit a physical copy along with a nominal fee.
  • Ensure to keep copies of all documents submitted for your records.
• Follow Up: After filing, follow up with the concerned authority to check the status of your complaint.

Relevant legal provisions include:

• Section 2(28) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019: Defines misleading advertisements.
• Section 3 of the Advertising Standards Council of India Code: States the principles regarding truthful advertising.

Taking these steps can help address the issue of misleading advertisements and protect consumer rights in Jabalpur.