Patanjali license suspension : In a significant legal move, the Uttarakhand State Licensing Authority (SLA) has suspended the manufacturing licenses of 14 products from Baba Ramdev’s Patanjali Ayurved Ltd. This decision follows allegations of repeated violations of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954. The licenses were officially withdrawn following an affidavit submitted by the Uttarakhand government to the Supreme Court, which outlines the legal actions being initiated against the company.
Licenses Of 14 Patanjali Products Cancelled By Uttarakhand Authority
Legal Actions and Public Notice
The Uttarakhand SLA has granted permission to the Drug Inspector of Haridwar to file a criminal complaint against both Divya Pharmacy and Patanjali Ayurved Ltd. This legal step, dated April 12, was followed by an order issued on April 15, specifying the suspension of products which include popular items like ‘Swasari Gold’ and ‘MuktaVati Extra Power’. This action is supported by a public notice issued by the Uttarakhand government warning against advertisements that mislead consumers by making unverified health claims, stating such actions would attract fines, imprisonment, or both.
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Products and Charges
The products affected by this order are primarily health supplements and medicines that claim to treat conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and respiratory issues. The list of suspended products includes:
- Swasari Gold
- Swasari Vati Bronchom
- Swasari Pravahi
- Swasari Avaleh
- MuktaVati Extra Power
- Lipidom
- Bp Grit
- Madhugrit
- MadhunashiniVati Extra Power
- Livamrit Advance
- Livogrit
- Eyegrit Gold
- Patanjali Drishti Eye Drop
The SLA’s affidavit also details a criminal complaint that has been lodged with the Chief Judicial Magistrate of Haridwar against high-profile names associated with Patanjali, including Swami Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna, under various sections of the Drugs and Magic Remedies Act.
Supreme Court Involvement
The involvement of the Supreme Court came about when the top court demanded explanations from the Joint Director of the State Licensing Authority and the District Ayurvedic and Unani Officers of Haridwar, for their alleged inaction over the years. This demand came after the Indian Medical Association pressed for legal action against the ayurvedic giant for its alleged violation of the advertisement act, which strictly prohibits certain claims in product advertising.
Company’s Undertaking
Previously, Patanjali had assured the Supreme Court that it would adhere to the legal standards concerning product claims and advertisements. The company committed to avoiding misleading statements regarding the medicinal efficacy of its products and agreed to refrain from discrediting any medical systems in the media.
Implications and Future Steps
This legal development is a blow to Patanjali Ayurved Ltd., known for its widespread presence in the Indian Ayurvedic products market. The cancellation of these licenses not only affects the company’s operational capabilities but also its brand reputation amid consumers increasingly wary of misleading health claims in advertisements. The SLA has indicated that further actions are underway, ensuring strict adherence to the law and Supreme Court directives.
As this situation develops, both the legal outcomes and the responses from Patanjali will be closely watched, potentially setting precedents for how health products are advertised and regulated in India.
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FAQs: Suspension of Patanjali Product Licenses by Uttarakhand Authority
1. What led to the suspension of licenses for Patanjali products?
- The Uttarakhand State Licensing Authority suspended the manufacturing licenses of 14 Patanjali products due to repeated violations of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954. This decision followed complaints regarding the alleged illegal advertisement of products with unverified health benefits.
2. Which Patanjali products are affected by this suspension?
- The products affected include 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.
3. What are the specific allegations against Patanjali?
- Patanjali is accused of violating advertisement laws by promoting certain products as treatments for diseases and health conditions without sufficient evidence or approval, which is prohibited under the Drugs and Magic Remedies Act.
4. What actions have been taken against Patanjali apart from the license suspension?
- In addition to license suspension, a criminal complaint has been filed against key figures including Swami Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna, as well as Divya Pharmacy and Patanjali Ayurved Limited, under Sections 3, 4, and 7 of the Drugs and Magic Remedies Act.
5. How has Patanjali responded to these actions?
- Previously, Patanjali had made an undertaking to the Supreme Court assuring that it would not make unverified claims about the medicinal efficacy of its products or engage in any advertisements that violate the law. Details on their response to this specific incident are still pending.
6. What implications does this suspension have for consumers?
- Consumers who use the affected Patanjali products should be aware of the legal questions regarding the advertising and claimed benefits of these items. It may be advisable to consult healthcare providers regarding alternatives or for more information on the efficacy and safety of these products.
7. Is this suspension permanent?
- The suspension is currently in effect until further notice. The future status of these licenses will depend on Patanjali’s compliance with legal standards and any further legal proceedings.
8. How can consumers stay informed about updates on this issue?
- Consumers should follow official announcements from the Uttarakhand State Licensing Authority or check updates from reputable news sources. Patanjali’s official channels may also provide updates regarding their compliance and any changes to the status of their product licenses.
