Derogatory use of Shri Ganesh in advertisement during Ganeshotsav !
Mumbai – On the eve of Ganeshotsav, two companies, Havells India Limited and Nutrica (BN Holdings Limited), have hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus through a derogatory and disrespectful depiction of Lord Ganesha in their advertisements. In light of the intense outrage caused by this act, the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti has served a legal notice, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the advertisements and an unconditional apology. The Samiti has warned that if these demands are not met, severe legal action will be initiated against the concerned companies.
Mumbai, look up! This #GaneshChaturthi, our message shines across Worli, Prabhadevi & Thane.
From installation to reactions, here’s how it all came to life.#Havells #OOHInnovation #GaneshChaturthi #TayariHavellsWali pic.twitter.com/Ep15ZyDB8y— Havells (@havellsindia) August 28, 2025
In a digital advertisement displayed by Havells at Century Bazaar Chowk in Prabhadevi, Mumbai, the body of Lord Ganesha was shown composed of electrical appliances. Similarly, Nutrica company depicted an edible oil can in the form of Lord Ganesha, complete with hands, feet, and a crown. It has been seriously alleged that both these advertisements have dishonored the sanctity of Lord Ganesha and have mocked the faith of devotees under the guise of ‘creative advertising’. On behalf of the Samiti’s Shri Ravindra Dasari and Smt. Swati Pandey, Advocate Prasad Sankpal, Advocate Prathamesh Gaikwad, and Advocate Surbhi Sawant have sent the notices to the respective companies.
This act not only hurts religious sentiments but also violates Sections 153(A), 196, 299, 300, 302 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, as well as Sections 295, 295(A), 298 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Consumer Protection Act 2019, the IT Act 2021, the ASCI’s Code of Conduct, and Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution. Such advertisements pose a risk of creating religious tension in society and are an assault on the faith of traditional idol makers, religious activists, and crores of devotees.
@HinduJagrutiOrg has issued a notice to Havells India Limited & Nutrica for allegedly using a derogatory depiction of Lord Ganesha in their advertisements during Ganeshotsav. The organization is demanded an unconditional apology or else legal action will be taken aginst them pic.twitter.com/CIpZQL8L8b
— HJS Mumbai (@HJSMumbai) September 4, 2025
🚨 Blatant insult to Shri Ganesh during #Ganeshotsav!@havellsindia showed Ganesh made of appliances, Nutrica used an oil can as Ganesh idol.
Hindu Janajagruti Samiti issues legal notice demanding:
➡️ Withdrawal of derogatory ads
➡️ Public unconditional apology on all platforms… pic.twitter.com/dQ9oSIeuyi— HinduJagrutiOrg (@HinduJagrutiOrg) September 5, 2025
In the notice, the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti and the complainants have demanded that the companies: Immediately withdraw the concerned advertisements. Issue an unconditional public apology across all platforms. Provide a written assurance to prevent such use of deities in the future. As compensation for mental anguish and religious defamation, donate a sum of ₹50 lakh to the Pali Ashtavinayak temple. The Samiti will pursue a legal battle if these demands are not met.
