Ajay Devgn Challenges Maharashtra FDA Over Surrogate Ad Notice

Actor Ajay Devgn has petitioned the Bombay High Court to challenge a show-cause notice issued by the Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration (FDA). The FDA alleges that advertisements for Vimal Elaichi served as surrogate promotion for Vimal Pan Masala, a chewable product banned in Maharashtra. Devgn argues the notice is "mala fide, patently illegal and wholly arbitrary," asserting that the FDA should have targeted the manufacturing company, PB Agro, rather than the actors.

Similar notices were issued to actors Shah Rukh Khan and Tiger Shroff. The legal challenge follows a dismissed plea by PB Agro in the Delhi High Court, which ruled that Maharashtra courts hold the appropriate territorial jurisdiction.

Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe announced that the investigation into the actors is complete and violations were found. Mundhe stated that an adjudication case will be filed by next week and confirmed that proceedings will continue despite the court case. A division bench consisting of Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna is expected to hear Devgn's petition on November 4.