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Supreme Court Targets Patanjali for Misleading Advertisements Amid Government Inaction

  • Writer: Editorial Writer
    Editorial Writer
  • Apr 4, 2024
  • 2 min read

The Supreme Court of India intensified scrutiny on Patanjali Ayurved, threatening co-founder Baba Ramdev with perjury proceedings alongside contempt charges for publishing misleading advertisements. These actions contravened the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954, despite previous assurances to the Court.


Key Developments:

  • Contempt Notice Issued: In February, the Court issued a contempt notice against Patanjali for its misleading advertising practices, especially around its product Coronil during the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Government's Role Questioned: The Court criticized the government's passive stance on Patanjali's claims, particularly the promotion of Coronil as a COVID-19 "cure", which lacked scientific backing.

  • Allegations of Government Complicity: The presence of then Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan at a Patanjali press conference further lent credibility to Coronil’s dubious claims.


Court's Stand on Misinformation:

  • Advertising Claims Scrutinized: The Court warned Patanjali against advertising permanent cures for various diseases, threatening significant fines for non-compliance

  • Defiance of Court Orders: Despite warnings, Patanjali continued its controversial advertising, leading to further contempt notices from the Court.

  • Suspected Government Support: Patanjali's continued bold advertising strategy suggests possible tacit support from government authorities, raising concerns over public health implications.


Implications for Public Health and Policy:

  • Need for Regulatory Enforcement: The case underscores the importance of stringent regulatory oversight to prevent misleading health claims, particularly during public health crises.

  • Concerns Over Government Partiality: The government's perceived inaction and potential favoritism towards Patanjali highlight risks to public health safety and the integrity of medical information.

  • Call for Accountability: Ensuring that commercial interests do not supersede public health safeguards is crucial for maintaining trust in healthcare policies and practices.


Additional Information to Remember:

  • This situation presents a critical moment for reflecting on the balance between commercial freedoms and the necessity of accurate, evidence-based health communication.

  • The Court's actions against Patanjali signal a broader challenge in combating misinformation in the health sector, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts between regulators, the judiciary, and the government.


Keywords to Remember:

  • Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954: Legislation aimed at regulating advertisements of drugs in certain cases .

  • Contempt of Court: The offense of being disobedient to or disrespectful towards a court of law and its officers.

  • Perjury: The offense of willfully telling an untruth or making a misrepresentation under oath.


Reason it's important : Dangerous game : Commercial interest should not be allowed to override public health, safety

Published in : The Hindu

Date appeared in newspaper : 04 April 2024

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