Patanjali Ayurved co-founders, Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna, face criminal proceedings for alleged deceptive advertising. Both are expected to appear at the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court in Kozhikode on June 3.
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Thiruvananthapuram: Recently, A criminal proceedings have been initiated against the co-founders of Patanjali Ayurved, Baba Ramdev, and Acharya Balkrishna. The case centers on the dissemination of purportedly misleading advertisements by the esteemed company.
The Judicial First Class Magistrate Court in Kozhikode is scheduled to convene on June 3 to address this issue. It’s worth noting that both accused individuals are anticipated to appear in person during the proceedings.
A directive from the Supreme Court of India, which required the personal presence of Ramdev and Balkrishna in contempt of court proceedings. These proceedings were initiated against Patanjali Ayurved for its dissemination of deceptive advertisements.
The case has been lodged by the Drugs Inspector in April of this year against Divya Pharmacy, a subsidiary responsible for marketing and selling Patanjali products. The charges are rooted in Sections 3(b) and 3(d) of the Drugs And Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954.
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Section 3(b) of the Act prohibits advertisements from insinuating the use of any drug for enhancing sexual pleasure or capabilities. Meanwhile, Section 3(d) prohibits ads from suggesting the use of drugs for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of specified diseases or disorders.
The government’s firm resolve to uphold the integrity of advertising practices, particularly within the pharmaceutical and wellness industries, stands out. It also underscores the importance for companies to prioritize compliance with regulatory standards to steer clear of legal ramifications.
Patanjali Ayurved and its founders have found themselves under intense scrutiny for their alleged dissemination of misleading advertisements regarding their products. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has taken a decisive step by filing a petition before the Supreme Court, highlighting Patanjali Ayurved’s advertisements that purportedly discredit modern medicine.
The Supreme Court speedy responded to the IMA’s petition by imposing a temporary ban on Patanjali’s advertisements. Additionally, the Court issued contempt notices to the founders of Patanjali Ayurved for their alleged involvement in spreading these misleading assertions.
The apex court did not mince words, accusing Patanjali of duping the nation by promoting its medicines as cures for specific ailments without substantiating these assertions with empirical evidence. This admonition from the Court underscores the seriousness of the allegations leveled against the Ayurvedic giant.
The founders of Patanjali, namely Ramdev and Balkrishna, appeared before the Supreme Court and offered their apologies. Acknowledging their remorse, the Court mandated that Patanjali Ayurved publish public apologies in prominent newspapers, further solidifying the repercussions faced by the company due to its misleading advertising practices.
Notably, during the legal proceedings, the Supreme Court also expressed its dissatisfaction with the Central government’s lack of action in invoking the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules of 1945 against Patanjali. This criticism emphasizes the broader implications of the case, highlighting the regulatory oversight and enforcement measures concerning pharmaceutical and healthcare products in the country.
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In response to the matter, a representative from Patanjali Ayurved stated-
“We are fully cooperating with the authorities and are committed to resolving this matter in accordance with the law,” stated the representatives of Patanjali Ayurved.
This statement reflects the company’s stance on adhering to legal processes and addressing any concerns raised by regulatory bodies.
As the case unfolds, it is anticipated to shed light on the intricacies of advertising regulations and the responsibilities of companies in promoting their products ethically and transparently. The outcome of this legal battle could have far-reaching implications for the advertising landscape, especially in the context of health and wellness products.
