In a significant development, the Supreme Court of India has taken decisive action against Patanjali Ayurved, imposing a ban on the advertising of its medicinal products until further notice. The move comes in response to serious allegations made by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), accusing Patanjali of disseminating misleading advertisements that directly targeted allopathic medicines.
Background and Allegations: Patanjali had previously assured the court in November 2023 that it would refrain from making statements about medicinal efficacy or opposing any medical system. Despite this commitment, the company faced criticism for allegedly continuing to release misleading advertisements. The specific advertisement titled “MISCONCEPTIONS SPREAD BY ALLOPATHY” drew attention, with the IMA asserting that it violated established laws, including the Drugs & Other Magical Remedies Act, 1954, and the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
Serious Consequences: The IMA argued that Patanjali’s campaign contributed to vaccine hesitancy during the COVID-19 pandemic and accused the company of making claims about allopathic medicine being responsible for COVID-19 deaths. These allegations suggest a pattern of behavior that goes against established norms and regulations.
Court’s Warning and Stringent Stance: In the November 2023 hearing, the court had warned Patanjali against making claims about the complete cure of diseases and threatened a cost of Rs 1 crore for every product associated with such claims. The alleged persistence in publishing misleading advertisements prompted the court to take a more stringent stance.
Commitment to Consumer Protection: The court emphasized its commitment to curbing misleading advertisements and protecting consumers from potentially harmful misinformation. Justice Ahsannudin Amanullah expressed dissatisfaction with Patanjali’s actions, deeming them “unacceptable.”
Future Hearings and Legal Scrutiny: The case is set for further hearings on March 19, providing an opportunity for a more comprehensive examination of the allegations against Patanjali. The court’s intervention underscores the importance of enforcing legal frameworks and safeguarding public health and safety in the face of misleading advertising practices.
