Mumbai: In a major relief for Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone, the Rajasthan High Court has stayed an FIR that was filed against them in connection with a case involving the endorsement of a defective car.
The Case Background
The complaint, lodged earlier this year, alleged that the actors, as brand ambassadors for a car manufacturer, had misled consumers by promoting a vehicle that was later found to have technical faults. The FIR named both stars along with the company.
High Court’s Intervention
On Wednesday, the High Court ordered a temporary stay on the FIR, observing that the actors, in their capacity as brand endorsers, could not be held directly responsible for alleged manufacturing defects. The court emphasized the need to distinguish between celebrity endorsements and actual product liability.
Legal Relief for the Stars
Both Khan and Padukone had approached the court seeking quashing of the FIR, arguing that they were merely associated with the advertising campaign and had no role in the product’s design, manufacture, or after-sales service. The court’s decision provides them interim relief until the next hearing.
Broader Implications
The case has reignited debate around celebrity endorsements and accountability. While consumer groups argue that stars should exercise caution before associating with brands, legal experts point out that liability should primarily rest with manufacturers.
What’s Next
The matter will come up for hearing again in the coming weeks, where the court will decide whether the FIR should be quashed permanently or the investigation should proceed.
