Prominent Indian hair salon owner charged for ads featuring Hindu Gods
Celebrity hairdresser and owner of a chain of salons across India, Jawed Habib (JH), has been charged for an ad campaign which drew a raft of criticism for insulting religious beliefs.
Prominent Indian hair salon's owner booked for publishing an ad featuring Hindu Gods
The campaign featured Hindu gods and stated 'God's too visit JH salon.'
Habib issued an apology on his social media accounts via a video. He said: "One of our partners released the advertisement without our permission in Kolkata. Our system is through franchise. I have been working for 25 years. My only religion is scissors. Sentiments have been hurt. I apologise."
However, according to a Times of India report, a case against the business owner has been registered for "deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs."
The ad received a mixed response, with some people taking to Twitter in defense of Habib.
Previously, brands including Meat and livestock Australia , Australian fashion label Soulan Zee and Etsy have been criticised for the same usage of the deity in advertising campaigns.