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

Detailed Legal Analysis

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

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

• Gather Evidence: Collect all relevant evidence of the misleading advertisement, including screenshots, brochures, or any other material that demonstrates how the advertisement is misleading.
• Identify the Advertiser: Determine the company or individual responsible for the advertisement. This is crucial for directing your complaint to the right entity.
• File a Complaint with ASCI: You can file a complaint with the Advertising Standards Council of India by visiting their official website. They have a dedicated section for reporting misleading advertisements.
• Contact Consumer Forum: If the issue is not resolved through ASCI, you can approach the Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum. Under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, you can file a complaint as follows:
• Determine the Appropriate Forum: Depending on the value of the claim, you should file your complaint in the District Consumer Forum (for claims up to ₹1 crore), State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (for claims between ₹1 crore and ₹10 crore), or the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (for claims exceeding ₹10 crore).
• Prepare Your Complaint: Include details such as your name, address, details of the complaint, evidence of the misleading advertisement, and the relief sought.
• Submit the Complaint: File the complaint along with the required fees (which varies based on the forum) either in person or online, if available.
• Approach Regulatory Authorities: You may also consider filing a complaint with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) if the product concerns food items, or with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
• Seek Legal Advice: If necessary, consult with a lawyer who specializes in consumer law for further guidance on how to proceed with your complaint effectively.

Relevant sections of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 that you may refer to include:

• Section 2(28): Definition of 'misleading advertisement.'
• Section 36: Provisions regarding the establishment of Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions.

By following these steps, you can effectively address the issue of misleading advertisements in Mysuru.