FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe Confirms Strict Action Against Vimal Ad Despite Ajay Devgn's Court Plea

Court Challenge

Actor Ajay Devgn has filed a petition in the Bombay High Court against a show cause notice issued by the Food and Drug Administration over a surrogate ad for Vimal Pan Masala and cardamom, which is banned in Maharashtra. Despite the court challenge, FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe stated that the agency will not stop its legal action and will instead push it forward at a faster pace.

FDA Proceedings

The FDA initiated prompt action in the case by issuing show cause notices to three individuals involved. These three respondents replied to the notices and asked the FDA for some time. The competent authority, who is an assistant commissioner, completed all legal hearings and reserved the matter. The entire case has now been handed over to a joint commissioner for the next firm decision and punitive action.

New Safety Orders

Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe also announced that the FDA has issued fifteen important orders to make food safety laws in the state stricter and more transparent. These orders clarify rules for business owners and outline the rights of citizens. Mundhe warned that strict action will be taken against food businesses that break the rules and against officials who fail in their duties.

Context

Surrogate advertising is commonly used to promote banned or restricted items like tobacco and pan masala by featuring surrogate products such as cardamom under the same brand name. Food safety regulators like the FDA monitor these marketing tactics to enforce state bans and protect public health. Legal disputes between high-profile endorsers and regulatory bodies often test the limits of state enforcement powers.