Emami fined Rs 15 lakh for misleading claims in ‘Fair and Handsome’ ads

New Delhi: A consumer court in Delhi directed Emami Limited to pay Rs 15 lakh in damages after a man had approached it, alleging that the company’s claims about its Fair and Handsome cream were misleading.

The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (Commission) in Delhi's Central District found guilty of unfair trade practices. It stated the advertisement was misleading and ordered the withdrawal of all such misleading advertisements and packaging.

The court ordered Rs 14.5 lakh is to be deposited with the Delhi State Consumer Welfare Fund and Rs 50,000 has to be paid to the complainant.

This was the second time Emami was fined in the same case. In 2015, the same consumer court ruled in favour of the complainant, Nikhil Jain, and Emami was directed to pay a fine of Rs 15 lakh.

Accordingly, the Commission imposed Rs15 lakh in punitive damages on Emami and directed the company to withdraw deceptive advertisements. The damages have to be paid within 45 days of the order.

(Inputs taken from agencies)