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

Detailed Legal Analysis

If you have seen a misleading advertisement about a health product in Guntur, you can file a complaint under the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

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

• Gather Evidence: Collect all relevant materials that support your claim, such as screenshots of the advertisement, receipts of purchase, and any related correspondence.
• Identify the Offender: Determine the entity responsible for the advertisement, which could be the manufacturer, distributor, or advertiser.
• File a Complaint with the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI): You can submit your complaint online through the ASCI website. The ASCI addresses misleading advertisements and can issue recommendations for corrective measures. Provide details including:
• Your contact information
• Description of the misleading claim
• Evidence supporting your claim
• Details of the product and advertiser
• Consumer Forum Complaint: If ASCI does not resolve the issue, you can escalate it to the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum under Section 12 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. Steps include:
• Drafting a formal complaint stating the facts, grounds of the complaint, and the relief sought.
• Filing the complaint along with the necessary fee, which varies based on the value of the claim.
• Submitting copies of all evidence and documents along with the complaint.
• Approach the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA): Under Section 10 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, you may also file a complaint with the CCPA, which has the authority to take action against misleading advertisements.

In addition to these steps, you may also consider approaching the local consumer helpline or the National Consumer Helpline at 1800-11-4000 for guidance on the complaint process.

Remember, the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 empowers consumers against unfair trade practices, and it is essential to assert your rights whenever you come across misleading advertisements.