SC declines apology by Ramdev, Patanjali

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CategoryPolity

Last Updated12/04/2024

The Supreme Court refused to accept a second round of apologies from self-styled yoga guru Baba Ramdev, Patanjali Ayurved Limited.

The apex court had initiated contempt proceedings against Patanjali Ayurved for violating an undertaking given to it in November 2023 that they would refrain from advertising “cures” in violation of the 1954 Act.
The hearing saw the court turn its ire on the Uttarakhand State Licensing Authority for choosing to turn a blind eye to the misleading advertisements.

It is a legislative framework to control the advertisement of drugs and prohibit claims of magical qualities in remedies.
It encompasses various forms of advertisements, including written, oral, and visual mediums.
Under the Act, the term “drug” refers to medicines intended for human or animal use, substances for diagnosis or treatment of diseases, and articles affecting the body’s functions.
Other than articles meant for consumption, the definition for “magic remedy” under this Act also extends to talismans, mantras, and charms that allegedly possess miraculous powers for healing or influencing bodily functions.
It imposes strict regulations on the publication of advertisements related to drugs.
It prohibits advertisements that give false impressions, make false claims, or are otherwise misleading.
Violations of these provisions can result in penalties, including imprisonment or fines, upon conviction.
The term “advertisement,” under the Act, extends to all notices, labels, wrappers, and oral announcements.