Misleading ads case: Kerala court summons Patanjali’s Baba Ramdev, managing director

A magistrate court in the Indian state of Kerala has asked Patanjali Ayurved co-founder Baba Ramdev and managing director Acharya Balkrishna to appear before it on June 3. The order was issued in connection with the case of publishing misleading advertisements in English and Malayalam newspapers.

About the order

The order summoning both founders of Haridwar-based Divya Pharmacy was issued by the Judicial First-Class Magistrate Court in Kozhikode.

This comes after a complaint was filed by the drugs inspector, office of the assistant drugs controller, last month in the magistrate court against Divya Pharmacy which markets Patanjali’s productions.

Baba Ramdev’s Patanjali has been under scrutiny for issuing misleading advertisements for health cures.

Last month, the Supreme Court lambasted both Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna of Patanjali for advertisements that promoted the Ayush treatment system while undermining modern, evidence-based medicine and asked them to tender a public apology.

The Uttarakhand government, in an affidavit, told the Supreme Court that it has granted permission to file a complaint against Divya Pharmacy and Patanjali for repeated violations of the drug advertisements law and suspended manufacturing licenses for 14 of their products.

What is the case in Kerala court about?

The complaint was filed by the drugs inspector, office of the assistant drugs controller, Kozhikode back in April for two products under Section 3 of The Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954.

The act prohibits the advertisement of some drugs for the treatment of certain diseases and disorders.

The drugs control department in the state has alleged that misleading advertisements were published claiming that ‘Divya Lipdom’ – a tablet which is manufactured by Divya Pharmacy – would reduce abnormal levels of cholesterol and fat in the body and to improve fat metabolism.

Another product called ‘Nutrela Diabetic Care’ which is manufactured by Patanjali claims that it would manage blood sugar levels and body weight.

The complaint by the drugs control department in the state has alleged violations of Section 3(b) and 3(d) of The Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements).

(With inputs from agencies)