Uttarakhand government has initiated action against Baba Ramdev's Divya Pharmacy and Patanjali Ayurved Ltd., citing repeated violations of the regulations for drug advertisements. According to an affidavit submitted in the Supreme Court, the government has not only allowed permission to file a complaint but has also suspended manufacturing licenses for 14 of their products.
The affidavit states that State Licencing Authority has issued a public notice, and henceforth, anyone who will publish advertisements against the law would face severe legal action. It stated that the notice includes fines, imprisonment, or both.
The State Licensing Authority, Ayurvedic and Unani Services, states that permission was given to file a complaint on April 12 against the two entities against violating the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954.
"The SLA issued an order, dated April 15, 2024, to Divya Pharmacy and Respondent No. 5-Patanjali Ayurved Ltd., stating therein that the manufacturing licenses for 14 of their products, namely 'Swasari Gold', 'Swasari Vati, Bronchom', 'Swasari Pravahi', 'Swasari Avaleh', 'MuktaVati Extra Power', 'Lipidom', 'Bp Grit', 'Madhugrit', 'MadhunashiniVati Extra Power', 'Livamrit Advance', 'Livogrit', 'Eyegrit Gold' and ‘Patanjali Drishti Eye Drop’, are suspended with immediate effect under Rule 159(1) of The Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945," it said.'.
"The District Ayurvedic and Unani Officer, Haridwar, filed a criminal complaint before the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Haridwar, against Swami Ramdev, Acharya Balkrishna, Divya Pharmacy and Patanjali Ayurved Limited under Sections 3, 4 and 7 of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954," the affidavit added.
Earlier, the apex court had reminded the officials of such possible lapses in action and had demanded an explanation. Meanwhile, the Indian Medical Association asked for accountability, saying that violations have been going against the law that does not permit advertisements for specific diseases and other product advertisements.
Earlier, Patanjali had informed the court of compliance, promising not to make any false claims regarding the efficacy of the products or indulging in unlawful advertising practices.
