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

Detailed Legal Analysis

To complain about a misleading advertisement for a health product in Faridabad, you can file a complaint with the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) and the Consumer Forum.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to proceed:

• Gather Evidence:
  • Collect all relevant materials that demonstrate the misleading nature of the advertisement, including screenshots, brochures, or any promotional content.
  • Document dates and times when the advertisement was viewed, along with any claims made about the product.
• File a Complaint with ASCI:
  • Visit the ASCI website and navigate to the complaint registration section.
  • Fill out the online complaint form, providing clear details about the misleading advertisement.
  • Attach necessary evidence and submit the complaint; ASCI will review and take appropriate action based on their code.
• Contact the Consumer Forum:
  • If the issue remains unresolved, you can escalate your complaint to the Consumer Forum under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
  • Draft a complaint letter detailing your grievance, including the misleading claims and how it affected you.
  • File the complaint with the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum in Faridabad, accompanied by the requisite fee (which varies based on the claim amount).
• Legal Provisions:
  • Under Section 2(28) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, misleading advertisements are defined, and consumers can seek redress.
  • Section 89 of the Act allows for the resolution of disputes through mediation, which might be a quicker alternative.
  • The ASCI Code of Self-Regulation provides guidelines for truthful advertising and can be cited in your complaint.
• Follow Up:
  • Keep track of your complaint status with ASCI and the Consumer Forum.
  • Be prepared to attend hearings if your case progresses to the Consumer Forum.

By following these steps, you can effectively address the issue of misleading advertisements in Faridabad and seek appropriate remedy under Indian law.