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

Detailed Legal Analysis

If you have encountered a misleading advertisement about a health product in Bikaner, you can file a complaint with the appropriate authorities under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and the provisions of the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI). Here are the steps to take:

• Gather Evidence: Collect all relevant evidence including copies of the advertisement, receipts, and any promotional material that indicates misleading claims.
• Identify the Responsible Party: Determine whether the misleading advertisement is from a manufacturer, seller, or service provider. This will help in directing your complaint to the right entity.
• File a Complaint with ASCI: You can lodge a complaint with the Advertising Standards Council of India. The ASCI has a dedicated process for addressing misleading advertisements:
  • Visit the ASCI website and look for the 'File a Complaint' section.
  • Fill out the online form with details of the misleading advertisement and submit it along with supporting documents.
• Contact the Consumer Forum: Under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, you have the right to approach the Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum if you feel that the advertisement has caused you harm or financial loss:
  • Draft a complaint detailing your grievances and how the misleading advertisement has affected you.
  • Submit this complaint to the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum in Bikaner, along with a nominal fee.
  • The relevant sections to be aware of include Section 2(47) (definition of misleading advertisement) and Section 17 (jurisdiction of the District Forum).
• Notify the Food Safety Authority: If the product is a food item or health supplement, you can also report the misleading advertisement to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for their investigation.

By following these steps, you can formally address the issue of misleading advertisements and seek appropriate remedies. Remember, consumer rights are protected under the law, and you have the right to seek redressal for misleading claims.