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

Detailed Legal Analysis

If you have encountered a misleading advertisement about a health product in Chennai, you can file a complaint with the relevant authorities to seek redressal.

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

• Identify the Authority: You can file a complaint with the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) as health products fall under their jurisdiction.
• Gather Evidence: Collect all relevant evidence, including:
  • Photographs or screenshots of the advertisement.
  • Details of where and when you saw the advertisement.
  • Any promotional materials or brochures related to the health product.
• Prepare Your Complaint: Draft a complaint that includes:
  • Your full name and contact details.
  • A clear description of the advertisement and why it is misleading.
  • Details of the health product and the claims made in the advertisement.
  • Any supporting documents or evidence you have collected.
• Submit Your Complaint to ASCI: You can file your complaint online on the ASCI website or send it via email. Ensure you follow their guidelines for filing complaints.
• File a Complaint with FSSAI: If the misleading advertisement pertains to a food product, you can lodge a complaint with FSSAI through their online portal or by contacting their helpline.
• Legal Provisions: Misleading advertisements are governed under:
  • Consumer Protection Act, 2019: Sections 2(28) and 2(47) define misleading advertisements and provide grounds for consumer complaints.
  • Indian Penal Code, 1860: Section 420 deals with cheating and can be invoked if the advertisement causes financial loss.
  • Advertising Standards Code: ASCI has laid down guidelines that protect consumers from misleading advertisements.
• Follow Up: After filing your complaint, keep track of the response from ASCI or FSSAI. You may also consider escalating the matter to consumer courts if necessary.

By following these steps, you can effectively address your concerns regarding the misleading advertisement of the health product.