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

Detailed Legal Analysis

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

In India, misleading advertisements fall under the purview of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) guidelines. Here are the steps you can take to lodge a complaint:

• Identify the Offending Advertisement: Gather all relevant information regarding the misleading advertisement, including:
• Details of the product.
• Date and location where the advertisement was seen.
• Specific claims made in the advertisement that you believe are misleading.
• File a Complaint with the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI): The ASCI addresses complaints related to misleading advertisements. To file a complaint:
• Visit the ASCI website and navigate to the 'Complaints' section.
• Fill out the online complaint form with all necessary details.
• Attach any evidence of the advertisement (screenshots, photos, etc.).
• Submit the complaint for review.
• Approach the Consumer Forum: If you seek compensation or further legal action, you can approach the Consumer Forum under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. The steps include:
• Drafting a complaint which should include your details, details of the misleading advertisement, and the relief sought.
• Filing the complaint in the appropriate forum based on the jurisdiction (District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum for claims up to ₹1 crore).
• Pay the requisite court fees along with the complaint.
• Attend the hearings as scheduled by the Consumer Forum.
• Notify the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare: Since health products are regulated, you may also file a complaint with the Ministry’s Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) if the advertisement concerns food or health supplements.
• Keep Records: Maintain copies of all correspondence, complaints, and responses received from the authorities for future reference.

By following these steps, you can effectively address the issue of misleading advertisements and seek the necessary action against such malpractices.