Delhi Desk, Delhi Magazine: The Supreme Court, in a recent development, has issued a restraining order against Patanjali Ayurved regarding the advertisement of its products for disease treatment. This decision came after the court expressed concern over alleged deceptive advertising practices by the company, co-founded by yoga guru Ramdev.
The court directed Patanjali Ayurved and its managing director, Acharya Balkrishna, to explain why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against them for potentially violating the court’s previous directives regarding product advertisement and medicinal efficacy claims.
Moreover, the bench cautioned the company against making any statements in print or electronic media regarding treatment methods, in line with the undertaking provided by them to the court last November. This cautionary measure follows allegations by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) of a propaganda campaign led by Ramdev against vaccination and modern medicine.
During the hearing, the court emphasized that Patanjali Ayurved must refrain from advertising products categorized as diseases or disorders under the Drugs and Miracle Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954, until further notice.
The court also criticized the company’s actions, highlighting an advertisement published after the court’s previous order(21 Nov., 2023). Expressing dissatisfaction, the bench indicated potential contempt proceedings against Patanjali Ayurved and its managing director.
The court granted time for Patanjali’s counsel to respond to the notice, scheduling the next hearing for March 19. Additionally, Patanjali’s counsel mentioned the establishment of a research laboratory, which was acknowledged by the bench.
This development underscores the judiciary’s scrutiny of advertising practices and emphasizes adherence to regulations concerning medicinal claims, signaling a strict stance against deceptive marketing in the healthcare sector.
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