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

Detailed Legal Analysis

If you have encountered a misleading advertisement about a health product in Saharanpur, you can file a complaint under the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) Code.

Here are the steps to lodge your complaint:

• Gather Evidence: Collect all relevant materials that demonstrate the misleading nature of the advertisement. This may include:
  • Printed advertisement copies (if applicable).
  • Digital copies of the advertisement (screenshots, links).
  • Any correspondence with the company regarding the product.
• Identify the Appropriate Authority: You can approach both the consumer forum and the ASCI:
  • Consumer Forum: You can file a complaint under Section 2(1)(c) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, which defines a consumer and provides avenues for grievances.
  • Advertising Standards Council of India: ASCI has a self-regulatory code for advertising; you can lodge a complaint through their website.
• File a Complaint:
  • With the Consumer Forum:
    • Draft a complaint stating your grievance, mentioning how the advertisement is misleading.
    • Include all evidence and any financial loss incurred (if applicable).
    • Submit the complaint to the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum in Saharanpur.
  • With ASCI:
    • Visit the ASCI website and fill out the online complaint form.
    • Attach the evidence and provide a clear description of the misleading claims made in the advertisement.
• Follow Up: After filing the complaint, keep track of any reference numbers and follow up with the respective authority if you do not receive a response within a reasonable time.

According to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, misleading advertisements can lead to penalties for the advertiser, under Section 89, if found to be untrue or deceptive in nature. The ASCI guidelines also encourage ethical advertising practices and provide a mechanism for redressal.