The Odisha State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission halted proceedings against Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan in a consumer complaint alleging that he promoted a misleading soft drink advertisement.
The commission granted an interim stay after Roshan appealed against a Kalahandi district panel order that refused to remove his name from the case.
The complaint, filed by Deepak Kumar Dubey of Khariar in Kalahandi district, claimed that his 11-year-old son was influenced by a television commercial featuring Roshan. The ad suggested that the beverage could provide energy and help overcome fear. Dubey alleged that his son tried to imitate the stunts shown in the commercial, believing the drink would enhance his sports performance.
Dubey named both Roshan and the soft drink manufacturer in the complaint. The district commission admitted the case and issued notices to the actor and the company. Roshan sought to be dropped from the proceedings, but the district panel rejected his plea. He then approached the State Consumer Commission in Cuttack, challenging the decision.
On Friday, the State Commission issued an interim stay on the proceedings and directed the complainant and the beverage company to file their responses. Notices were sent to both parties.
Advocates Tirtha Kumar Sahoo and Shubham Satpathy represented Roshan during the hearing. The commission will review the responses before deciding whether to continue or dismiss the case.
