Yoga guru Baba Ramdev and his associate Acharya Balkrishna have been summoned by the Judicial First-Class Magistrate Court in Kozhikode. The case pertains to misleading advertisements published in English and Malayalam newspapers. Ramdev and Balkrishna are the founders of Divya Pharmacy, based in Haridwar, which markets products for Patanjali Ayurved.
Legal Proceedings:
The case stems from a complaint filed by the Drugs Inspector, Office of the Assistant Drugs Controller, Kozhikode, under the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954. The complaint alleges violations of Section 3(b) and 3(d) of the Act, which prohibit advertisements suggesting the use of drugs for enhancing sexual pleasure or for diagnosing, curing, mitigating, treating, or preventing certain diseases. Failure to comply with the Act can result in imprisonment or a fine.
Product Claims Under Scrutiny:
Divya Lipidom and Patanjali Nutrela Diabetic Care, two products marketed by Divya Pharmacy, are specifically mentioned in the complaint. Divya Lipidom claims to reduce cholesterol and dyslipidemia, while Patanjali Nutrela Diabetic Care claims to lower blood sugar levels and manage body weight.
Previous Legal Actions:
Prior to this summons, Ramdev and Balkrishna were issued summons by a court in Haridwar after they failed to appear before it. Additionally, various offices of the Assistant Drugs Controller in different districts of Kerala had registered 29 cases against Divya Pharmacy. The first complaint was filed by an ophthalmologist from Kannur, K.V. Babu, in February 2022, leading to a wider inquiry by the State Drugs Control department.
Potential Consequences:
If found guilty, Ramdev and Balkrishna could face imprisonment for up to six months or a fine. The allegations against Divya Pharmacy highlight a broader issue of compliance with advertising regulations in the pharmaceutical industry