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

Detailed Legal Analysis

If you have seen a misleading advertisement about a health product in Gurugram, you can file a complaint with several authorities to seek redressal.

In India, misleading advertisements are regulated primarily under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, which aims to protect consumers from unfair trade practices. Here’s how you can proceed:

• Identify the Authority: You can lodge a complaint with the following authorities:
• Consumer Forum: Under Section 12 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, you can file a complaint with the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum if the value of the product is less than ₹1 crore.
• Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI): You can file a complaint directly with ASCI, which addresses misleading advertisements.
• The Ministry of Consumer Affairs: You can also approach this ministry for broader consumer-related grievances.
• Gather Evidence: Collect all necessary evidence related to the misleading advertisement, such as:
• Copies of the advertisement (print, online, etc.)
• Any receipts or proof of purchase of the health product
• Documentation of any health issues or other problems caused by the misleading claims
• Drafting the Complaint: Your complaint should include:
• Your name, address, and contact details
• A clear description of the misleading advertisement
• Details of the product and the company responsible
• Your specific grievance and the relief you are seeking
• Filing the Complaint: You can file your complaint in the following ways:
• Visit the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum in Gurugram and submit a physical complaint.
• For ASCI, visit their official website and submit your complaint online.
• For the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, you can use their online grievance redressal portal.
• Follow-Up: After filing your complaint, ensure you keep track of any responses or actions taken by the relevant authority.

By taking these steps, you can formally address the issue of misleading advertisements and seek appropriate remedies under Indian law.