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

Detailed Legal Analysis

If you have encountered a misleading advertisement about a health product in Moradabad, you can file a complaint with the appropriate authorities to seek redress.

Here’s a detailed guide on how to proceed with your complaint:

• Identify the Authority: You can file your complaint with the following authorities:
• The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI)
• The Consumer Forum under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019
• The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) if the product falls under food regulations
• Gather Evidence: Collect all relevant evidence related to the misleading advertisement:
• Take screenshots or photographs of the advertisement.
• Document where and when you saw the advertisement (e.g., TV, newspaper, online).
• Note any health claims made that appear misleading or false.
• Drafting Your Complaint: Prepare a formal complaint that includes:
• Your name, address, and contact details.
• A detailed description of the advertisement and why you find it misleading.
• Supporting evidence (as mentioned above).
• Your expectation (e.g., withdrawal of the advertisement, compensation).
• File the Complaint: Submit your complaint to the chosen authority:
• For ASCI: Visit their website (www.ascionline.org) and fill out the complaint form.
• For Consumer Forum: Approach the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Moradabad. You can file a complaint online or in person.
• For FSSAI: Use the online complaint portal on their website (www.fssai.gov.in).
• Follow Up: After filing your complaint, keep track of its status:
• Request acknowledgment of your complaint.
• Follow up periodically to ensure your complaint is being addressed.
• Legal Recourse: If your complaint is not resolved satisfactorily, consider seeking legal advice or escalating the matter to a higher consumer court under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 (Sections 12-14).

By following these steps, you can effectively address misleading advertisements and protect your rights as a consumer in India.