In 2022, lawyer Moti Lal Yadav had moved a public interest litigation (PIL) stating that several holders of national awards like Padma Vibhushan, Padma Shri, National Filmfare Awards etc, were endorsing tobacco products in violation of the Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce (Production, Supply and Distribution) Amendment Act.
The plea named several Bollywood actors including Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgan, Saif Ali Khan and Ranvir Singh as well as the managing directors of paan and gutka companies such as Vimal Gutkha, Kamla Pasand Pan Masala and Pan Bahar products.
He suggested that guidelines be framed for the revocation of awards if an awardee is found to be conducting himself inappropriately.
He also sought that these individuals be required to deposit the total amount earned from such advertisements, as well as an equal amount into a government relief fund.
Source: Barandbench
