Celebrities entangled in the case of Maggi noodles

Maggi brand products by Nestlé made headlines in India when they failed multiple tests and were found to be harmful because they contained excessive quantities of lead. As a result, the products were banned and legal actions were initiated against Nestlé. Surprisingly, a few celebrities who were endorsing Maggi for Nestlé also came under scrutiny and notices were sent to them. This ignited debate on the liability of celebrities for appearing in misleading advertisements or endorsing harmful products.

There are conflicting views on the subject. Some support the view that since celebrities are paid large amounts for advertisements they should act deliberately while choosing to endorse and signing such contracts. However others firmly believe that celebrities should not be liable for such endorsements and only the producers of the impugned products should compensate as allowing such liability would only increase the number of vexatious suits filed against celebrities.

Legal framework

Last year, the Central Consumer Protection Council, headed by former minister for consumer affairs KV Thomas, unanimously decided to propose a law to hold celebrities liable for endorsing harmful products and appearing in misleading advertisements. The proposed amendments to the law relating to consumer protection are currently with an inter-ministerial committee and are expected to be soon introduced in the parliament. The proposed amendments will surely have specific provisions to hold celebrities liable for misleading or false advertisements.

Manisha Singh is a founding partner of LexOrbis, where Zoya Nafis is an associate.