A petitioner had urged action against award-winning Bollywood superstars Akshay Kumar, Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, and dignitaries endorsing gutka companies.
In a recent legal twist, the central government has set its sights on Bollywood superstars Akshay Kumar, Shah Rukh Khan, and Ajay Devgn over their endorsements for gutka companies. Responding to a contempt petition, the government informed the Allahabad Court about issuing notices to these stars. Hold on to your seats the Supreme Court is also in the mix! The court was told this on Friday, and they’ve scheduled a hearing for May 9, 2024.
This all began when a petitioner raised concerns about celebrities flaunting high-profile awards while promoting gutka brands. The court had earlier directed the government to address this gripe, but despite submitting the concerns on October 22, no action was taken. Now, with a contempt petition in play, the government is on the move.
Deputy Solicitor General SB Pandey dropped the bombshell show cause notices are on the way for Bollywood superstars Akshay, Shah Rukh, and Ajay. And wait, there’s more drama: Amitabh Bachchan is fighting his own. Additionally, the court was informed that Amitabh Bachchan had sent a legal notice to a gutka company for broadcasting his advertisement after the termination of his contract with them. Bollywood, it seems, has found itself in a courtroom blockbuster!
More Paan and Gutka Bans
Starting January 1, 2024, Puri’s historic Jagannath Temple is taking a stand against the consumption of ‘paan’ and ‘gutka’ within its sacred walls. Ranjan Kumar Das, the chief administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), declared a comprehensive ban on tobacco-related items for devotees, temple workers, and attendants.
The move echoes the temple’s commitment to maintaining sanctity and a healthy environment within its premises. Ranjan Kumar Das emphasized the strict enforcement of this prohibition.
This decision aligns with recent legal developments. In April, the Supreme Court intervened in a Madras High Court ruling that lifted the ban on selling gutka and pan masala in Tamil Nadu. Citing concerns for public health, the apex court suspended the high court’s decision, highlighting the ongoing debate on the authority to impose such bans. The move by Puri’s Jagannath Temple adds another layer to this broader conversation on public health and regulatory powers.
