Kerala High Court Absolves Actor Mohanlal in Manappuram Finance False Advertisement Case

The Kerala High Court quashed criminal proceedings against actor Mohanlal in a case alleging false advertisement by Manappuram Finance Ltd.

The Court held that merely endorsing a product does not automatically attract criminal liability unless there is material to show knowledge or intent to mislead consumers.

It observed that the complaint did not disclose any specific role played by the actor in formulating or approving the allegedly misleading claims.

In the absence of prima facie evidence establishing mens rea or direct involvement, the Court ruled that continuation of proceedings would amount to abuse of process of law.

[Mohanlal v. State of Kerala]