Legal Victory for Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone: Rajasthan High Court Stays FIR in Hyundai Car Ad Case

In a significant development for Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone, the Rajasthan High Court (Jodhpur Bench) has granted interim relief by staying the First Information Report (FIR) registered against them. The FIR stemmed from a complaint related to their involvement in a promotional campaign for Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), specifically concerning a car advertisement.

The legal action originated from a complaint filed by Colonel (Retd) RN Singh in a lower court in Sumerpur, Pali district.

The complainant alleged that the advertisement for Hyundai cars was misleading and deceptive, particularly regarding the depiction of the vehicle's capabilities. Singh contended that the advertisement showcased the car performing unrealistic stunts, such as 'flying' or being driven off-road in a manner that he believed constituted cheating and a criminal breach of trust.

Following the complaint, the lower court had directed the local police to register an FIR against the actors and Hyundai Motor India Limited.

The charges were filed under sections 420 (cheating) and 406 (criminal breach of trust) of the Indian Penal Code, sparking concerns and legal scrutiny for the prominent figures.

However, the High Court’s recent intervention provides a crucial reprieve. Upon hearing the petitions filed by Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, and Hyundai Motor India Limited, Justice Vineet Kumar Mathur’s bench decided to put an interim stay on the FIR.

This decision means that while the investigation is not entirely closed, further legal proceedings based on this specific FIR are halted for now, offering temporary protection to the accused parties.

This outcome is a substantial win for the actors and the automobile company, as it temporarily alleviates the immediate legal pressure and potential reputational damage associated with such a high-profile complaint.

The case underscores the increasing scrutiny on celebrity endorsements and advertising ethics, highlighting the importance of clear and truthful representation in commercial campaigns.