The district consumer commission in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur has summoned Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan and international footballer Lionel Messi to appear before it on April 12. The summons are in relation to a case involving an educational institution for which Khan and Messi are brand ambassadors.
The complaint was filed by Mohammad Shamshad Ahmed, whose two sons had taken admission to a course in the institution and paid the fees for the period they studied there. However, dissatisfied with the institution, they decided to leave the course. Despite their withdrawal, the institution issued two loans in different categories and demanded repayment from Ahmed.
Ahmed filed a case against the institution on October 30, 2023, in the district consumer commission. During the hearing, a full bench of the commission, chaired by Piyush Kamal Dixit, served notices to seven individuals, including the institution’s Managing Director and brand ambassadors Shah Rukh Khan and Lionel Messi. The bench scheduled their appearance for January 12, 2024.
Lawyers representing Khan and Messi appeared before the commission on Friday, but they failed to present the original case documents. Consequently, the bench directed Khan and Messi to appear on the next hearing date, April 12, with the authentic case documents.
The case has garnered significant attention due to the involvement of two high-profile personalities like Shah Rukh Khan and Lionel Messi. As brand ambassadors of the institution, their appearance before the commission will be closely followed by the media and their fans worldwide.
The April hearing date will allow Khan and Messi ample time to gather and present the necessary documents. It remains to be seen how the case unfolds and what arguments will be put forth by the complainant and the institution’s representatives.
The consumer commission’s decision to summon Shah Rukh Khan and Lionel Messi highlights the role and responsibility of celebrities as brand ambassadors. As ambassadors, they share a certain association and endorsement of the institution and are expected to address any disputes or grievances that may arise.
The summons to these prominent figures bring attention to the practice of celebrity brand endorsements and their obligations towards the products or institutions they represent. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for future disputes involving brand ambassadors in similar circumstances.
April 12 will mark a significant day for both the consumer commission and the two celebrated individuals who will be required to appear before it. The media and their fans will eagerly await further developments in this intriguing case.
