Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone, who serve as brand ambassadors for Hyundai Motor India, have been named in an FIR filed in Rajasthan’s Bharatpur district. The complaint, lodged by local lawyer Kirti Singh, accuses the automaker, its officials, and the celebrities of promoting a defective car model that allegedly endangered her family’s safety.

The Complaint and Allegations

According to the FIR, Singh purchased a Hyundai Alcazar SUV in 2022 for ₹23.97 lakh. Soon after, she discovered what she described as a “serious manufacturing defect.” Pressing the accelerator, she claimed, would raise the engine’s RPM but fail to increase the vehicle’s speed.

When she reported the issue, the dealership reportedly acknowledged the problem but suggested an unusual workaround—parking the vehicle for an hour and then running it at 2000 RPM to clear the engine warning. Singh argued that such a solution was impractical and unsafe, as the defect allegedly jeopardised her family’s safety on multiple occasions.

After repeated requests for repair or replacement were denied by both Hyundai and the dealer, Singh filed a case alleging fraud, negligence, and misrepresentation.

Court Orders and Police Action

The matter was initially taken to the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Court No. 2 in Bharatpur as a private complaint. Acting on the court’s directive, the Mathura Gate Police Station registered an FIR against six people, including Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone. The charges have been filed under Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code (cheating) and other relevant sections.

Celebrity Liability Under Law

This case highlights the growing accountability of celebrities and influencers under Indian law. The Consumer Protection Act, 2019, empowers authorities to penalise endorsers for misleading advertisements. In addition, a 2023 Supreme Court ruling clarified that public figures endorsing products may be held responsible if consumers suffer harm due to deceptive claims.

Shah Rukh Khan has been associated with Hyundai since 1998, when the brand entered the Indian market with its Santro hatchback. Deepika Padukone joined the automaker as its brand ambassador in December 2023.

Industry and Legal Implications

The case could have far-reaching implications for both automakers and celebrity endorsers in India. Legal experts suggest that if proven, the matter may set a precedent for consumer protection cases involving high-profile brand ambassadors.

Hyundai Motor India has not yet issued an official statement regarding the FIR. Meanwhile, legal proceedings are expected to unfold in the coming weeks.