News Brief
Baba Ramdev-backed Patanjali Ayurved is under scrutiny over misleading ads
The Uttarakhand government has informed the Supreme Court that it has suspended the manufacturing licences for 14 Patanjali products.
In an affidavit, the state government told the apex court that it has also granted permission to file a complaint against Baba Ramdev's Divya Pharmacy and Patanjali Ayurved Ltd for repeated violations of the drug advertisements law.
The State Licensing Authority, Ayurvedic and Unani Services, had issued a public notice intimating that publication of advertisements contrary to the law would entail strict disciplinary and legal action, including fine, imprisonment, or both.
Following this, permission was granted on 12 April to the Drug Inspector, Haridwar for filing a complaint against Divya Pharmacy and Patanjali Ayurved Ltd. for repeated violations of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954.
The suspended manufacturing licenses affect products such as 'Swasari Gold', 'MuktaVati Extra Power', and 'Livamrit Advance,' among others, under Rule 159(1) of The Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945.
The affidavit also mentions a criminal complaint filed against key figures associated with Divya Pharmacy and Patanjali Ayurved Ltd., including Swami Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna, under relevant sections of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954.
It asserts that the State Licensing Authority will continue taking necessary legal steps against the companies as prescribed by law and directed by the Supreme Court.
This action comes after the Indian Medical Association raised concerns about violations of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, particularly regarding the advertisement of products for specified diseases and disorders like diabetes, heart diseases, high or low blood pressure, and obesity.
Patanjali Ayurved Ltd. had previously committed to the Supreme Court that it would refrain from making any casual statements claiming the medicinal efficacy of its products or advertise or brand them in violation of law and would not release any statement against any system of medicine to the media in any form.