Emami Fined Rs 15 Lakh Over Misleading Fair & Handsome Ads

New Delhi(The Uttam Hindu): Central Delhi District Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission imposed a fine of Rs 15 lakh on Emami Ltd for misleading advertisement about its Fair and Handsome fairness cream. The order has been passed on a complaint filed in 2013. According to the complaint, the product had not produced results as promised in advertisements regarding fairer skin within three weeks.

The complainant, who had been instigated into buying the cream by Shah Rukh Khan ads, stated that the cream was ineffective after conducting the usage. The company countered that results would vary with diet and age, though no such conditions were specified on the product label.

The consumer forum ruled that the company's advertisements and packaging were misleading, asking Emami to pay Rs 14.5 lakh to the Delhi State Consumer Welfare Fund, Rs 50,000 to the complainant, and Rs 10,000 as litigation costs. The company was also ordered to stop misleading advertisements and to withdraw the misleading packaging.

It underlines growing concerns over misleading advertising in the fast-moving consumer goods sector - especially in beauty and skincare products.