Yoga guru Baba Ramdev and his company, Patanjali Ayurveda, have been issued notices by the Delhi High Court after a plea was filed, alleging that the brand's herbal tooth powder, 'Divya Manjan', contains non-vegetarian ingredients, despite being marketed as vegetarian.&nbsp;

The petition filed by advocate Yatin Sharma stated that the toothpaste packaging featured&nbsp;a green dot - typically associated with vegetarian products&nbsp;but the ingredient list included&nbsp;Sepia officinalis (common cuttlefish).&nbsp;

The toothpaste is manufactured by Divya Pharmacy, a subsidiary of Patanjali and is prominently marketed and sold in both offline and online stores.&nbsp;

The petitioner also claimed that Ramdev in one of his YouTube videos stated that&nbsp;"Samudra fen," used in the product, is animal-based, despite the product being marketed as vegetarian.&nbsp;

The petitioner claimed that the unintentional consumption of a non-vegetarian product had caused him distress and demanded redressal of the issue while highlighting the importance of transparency and adherence to religious beliefs.

"The gravity and effectiveness of the court's order are seriously questioned in this matter, highlighting the need for urgent judicial intervention. The persistent disregard for the court's directives calls for decisive action to ensure compliance and uphold the integrity of the legal system," the plea stated.&nbsp;

Apart from Patanjali and Baba Ramdev, the notice has also been issued to the Centre,&nbsp;the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India as well as other related parties. The matter is slated to be heard again in November.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/why-misleading-marketing-needs-fix-in-india-714388" target="_blank">Watch |&nbsp;Why misleading marketing needs fix in India</a>

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<h2>Previous missteps by Baba Ramdev and Patanjali</h2>

It was only earlier this month that the Supreme Court shut down&nbsp;contempt proceedings against Ramdev and his aide, Acharya Balkrishna after they tendered unconditional apology and an undertaking for producing misleading advertisements and claims about products.&nbsp;

The contempt case was filed by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) against Patanjali's ads attacking allopathy and claiming that its 'Coronil' medicine could cure COVID-19.

After the case reached the apex court, the judges threatened to impose a penalty of $120,000 on Patanjali if it did not stop its practice of making false and misleading claims in advertisements.

In February, earlier this year, the court slapped an interim ban on ads of Patanjali for not adhering to the guidelines.&nbsp;

It was after Ramdev submitted apology affidavits,&nbsp;alongside the publication of apologies in multiple newspapers across the country that the court took a lenient stance.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Yoga guru Baba Ramdev and his company, Patanjali Ayurveda, have been issued notices by the Delhi High Court after a plea was filed, alleging that the brand's herbal tooth powder, 'Divya Manjan', contains non-vegetarian ingredients, despite being marketed as vegetarian.

Yoga guru Baba Ramdev and his company, Patanjali Ayurveda, have been issued notices by the Delhi High Court after a plea was filed, alleging that the brand's herbal tooth powder, 'Divya Manjan', contains non-vegetarian ingredients, despite being marketed as vegetarian. The petition filed by advocate Yatin Sharma stated that the toothpaste packaging featured a green dot - typically associated with vegetarian products but the ingredient list included Sepia officinalis (common cuttlefish). The toothpaste is manufactured by Divya Pharmacy, a subsidiary of Patanjali and is prominently marketed and sold in both offline and online stores. The petitioner also claimed that Ramdev in one of his YouTube videos stated that "Samudra fen," used in the product, is animal-based, despite the product being marketed as vegetarian. The petitioner claimed that the unintentional consumption of a non-vegetarian product had caused him distress and demanded redressal of the issue while highlighting the importance of transparency and adherence to religious beliefs. "The gravity and effectiveness of the court's order are seriously questioned in this matter, highlighting the need for urgent judicial intervention. The persistent disregard for the court's directives calls for decisive action to ensure compliance and uphold the integrity of the legal system," the plea stated. Apart from Patanjali and Baba Ramdev, the notice has also been issued to the Centre, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India as well as other related parties. The matter is slated to be heard again in November. Watch | Why misleading marketing needs fix in India Previous missteps by Baba Ramdev and Patanjali It was only earlier this month that the Supreme Court shut down contempt proceedings against Ramdev and his aide, Acharya Balkrishna after they tendered unconditional apology and an undertaking for producing misleading advertisements and claims about products. The contempt case was filed by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) against Patanjali's ads attacking allopathy and claiming that its 'Coronil' medicine could cure COVID-19. After the case reached the apex court, the judges threatened to impose a penalty of $120,000 on Patanjali if it did not stop its practice of making false and misleading claims in advertisements. In February, earlier this year, the court slapped an interim ban on ads of Patanjali for not adhering to the guidelines. It was after Ramdev submitted apology affidavits, alongside the publication of apologies in multiple newspapers across the country that the court took a lenient stance. (With inputs from agencies)

Court issues notice to Baba Ramdev after petition claims non-vegetarian ingredient found in veg toothpaste

The Uttarakhand government, in an affidavit, told the Supreme Court that it has granted permission to file a complaint against Baba Ramdev's Divya Pharmacy and Patanjali Ayurved Ltd. for repeated violations of the drug advertisements law and suspended manufacturing licenses for 14 of their products.

In the affidavit, the Uttarakhand government submitted that its State Licencing Authority has issued a public notice intimating that publication of advertisements contrary to the law would entail strict disciplinary and legal action, including fine, imprisonment, or both.

The affidavit filed by the State Licensing Authority, Ayurvedic and Unani Services, stated that it has granted permission on April 12 to the Drug Inspector, Haridwar for filing a complaint against Divya Pharmacy and Patanjali Ayurved Ltd. for repeated violations of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954.

"The SLA issued an order, dated April 15, 2024, to Divya Pharmacy and Respondent No. 5-Patanjali Ayurved Ltd., stating therein that the manufacturing licenses for 14 of their products, namely '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', are suspended with immediate effect under Rule 159(1) of The Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945," it said.

"The District Ayurvedic and Unani Officer, Haridwar filed a criminal complaint before the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Haridwar against Swami Ramdev, Acharya Balkrishna, Divya Pharmacy and Patanjali Ayurved Limited under Sections 3, 4 and 7 of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954," the affidavit added.

The SLA said that it will continue to take all due and further steps against Divya Pharmacy and Patanjali Ayurved Ltd, as per the procedure prescribed in law and the directions issued by the Supreme Court.

In an order passed on April 10, the apex court had ordered the then Joint Director of the State Licencing Authority and all the officers holding the post of District Ayurvedic and Unani Officer, Haridwar from 2018 till date to file their respective affidavits explaining the inaction on their part. 
The Indian Medical Association has sought action against Patanjali for violation of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, which prohibits the advertisement of certain products for the treatment of specified diseases and disorders, including diabetes, heart diseases, high or low blood pressure and obesity.

The ayurvedic company had earlier made an undertaking before the Supreme Court saying that it would not make any casual statements claiming the medicinal efficacy of its products or advertise or brand them in violation of law and would not release any statement against any system of medicine to the media in any form.

The Uttarakhand government, in an affidavit, told the Supreme Court that it has granted permission to file a complaint against Baba Ramdev's Divya Pharmacy and Patanjali Ayurved Ltd.

The Uttarakhand government, in an affidavit, told the Supreme Court that it has granted permission to file a complaint against Baba Ramdev's Divya Pharmacy and Patanjali Ayurved Ltd. for repeated violations of the drug advertisements law and suspended manufacturing licenses for 14 of their products. In the affidavit, the Uttarakhand government submitted that its State Licencing Authority has issued a public notice intimating that publication of advertisements contrary to the law would entail strict disciplinary and legal action, including fine, imprisonment, or both. The affidavit filed by the State Licensing Authority, Ayurvedic and Unani Services, stated that it has granted permission on April 12 to the Drug Inspector, Haridwar for filing a complaint against Divya Pharmacy and Patanjali Ayurved Ltd. for repeated violations of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954. "The SLA issued an order, dated April 15, 2024, to Divya Pharmacy and Respondent No. 5-Patanjali Ayurved Ltd., stating therein that the manufacturing licenses for 14 of their products, namely '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', are suspended with immediate effect under Rule 159(1) of The Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945," it said. "The District Ayurvedic and Unani Officer, Haridwar filed a criminal complaint before the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Haridwar against Swami Ramdev, Acharya Balkrishna, Divya Pharmacy and Patanjali Ayurved Limited under Sections 3, 4 and 7 of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954," the affidavit added. The SLA said that it will continue to take all due and further steps against Divya Pharmacy and Patanjali Ayurved Ltd, as per the procedure prescribed in law and the directions issued by the Supreme Court. In an order passed on April 10, the apex court had ordered the then Joint Director of the State Licencing Authority and all the officers holding the post of District Ayurvedic and Unani Officer, Haridwar from 2018 till date to file their respective affidavits explaining the inaction on their part. The Indian Medical Association has sought action against Patanjali for violation of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, which prohibits the advertisement of certain products for the treatment of specified diseases and disorders, including diabetes, heart diseases, high or low blood pressure and obesity. The ayurvedic company had earlier made an undertaking before the Supreme Court saying that it would not make any casual statements claiming the medicinal efficacy of its products or advertise or brand them in violation of law and would not release any statement against any system of medicine to the media in any form.

License of 14 Patanjali products cancelled, criminal complaint filed against Ramdev, Uttarakhand govt tells SC

Patanjali Ayurved Managing Director Acharya Balkrishna has tendered an unqualified apology in the Supreme Court over alleged misleading advertisements. 
In an affidavit, Patanjali Ayurved Managing Director Acharya Balkrishna said that he submits an unqualified apology before the top court for the breach of the statement recorded in the order copy of the top court dated November 21, 2023.

Acharya Balkrishna said that he will ensure that such advertisements are not issued in the future and submits that its intention is only to exhort the citizens of this country to lead a healthier life by consuming products of the Ayurvedic company, including products for lifestyle ailments, through the use of age old literature and materials supplemented and backed by Ayurvedic research.

"The deponent regrets that the advertisement in question, which was meant to contain only general statements, inadvertently included the offending sentences. The same was bona-fide and added to the routine course by the media department of the Respondent No. 5 Company. The personnel of the media department of the Respondent No. 5 Company were not cognizant of the order dated November 21, 2023," read the affidavit.

Acharya Balkrishna further submitted that Schedule J of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954, read with the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1955, is in an archaic state and the last changes were introduced in 1996. The Drug &amp; Cosmetic Act, 1940, was passed when scientific evidence in Ayurveda research was lacking.

The Ayurvedic Company now possesses evidence-based scientific data with clinical research conducted in Ayurveda, which would demonstrate the advances made through scientific research in the context of diseases mentioned in the said schedule.

In light of the same, it is humbly submitted that the deponent's only quest is for a better and healthier life for each and every citizen and to reduce the burden on the country's healthcare infrastructure by providing holistic, evidence based solutions for lifestyle-related medical complications through the use of the age-old traditional approaches of Ayurveda and Yoga, the affidavit said.

In fact, the idea was to promote the Ayurvedic products, which are based on age old literature/material backed by scientific research, the affidavit said.

The affidavit came as a response to the SC's earlier order, whereby the court sought from Patanjali Ayurveda Managing Director Acharya Balkrishna a response to the show cause notice in contempt proceedings against him over alleged misleading advertisements of Patanjali Ayurved.

In the earlier hearing, the top court issued notice to Ayurvedic Company, asking it to show cause why contempt of action should not be initiated against the company and its managing director for giving misleading advertisements.

The top court had observed that the ayurvedic company has prima facie violated the top court's order dated November 20, 2023, where it cautioned against misleading advertisements about its medicines.

The court had also restrained the Ayurvedic Company (Patanjali Ayurved) from advertising or branding their products specified as treating disease under the drug norms and also cautioned it from making any statements against any system of medicine in the media.

The court's observation came when it noted that the company has given alleged misleading advertisements.

The court was dealing with an Indian Medical Association plea seeking to frame guidelines for prohibiting false and misleading advertisements in relation to allopathy and modern medicine.

IMA, a registered society, has more than 3,30,000 medical doctors as its members all over the country. The petition also raised the issue of the campaign of misguidance, misinformation and disparagement against the modern system of medicine.

IMA, in its plea, had sought to pass an order directing the Center and others to immediately take strict and prompt action, in accordance with law, for the violation of the provisions of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954, the Drugs &amp; Cosmetics Rules, 1945 and the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 by the repeated acts of omission and commission of Respondent Patanjali Ayurved Ltd., including by publishing advertisements all over the country making illegal and prohibited claims. 
&nbsp;

Patanjali Ayurved Managing Director Acharya Balkrishna has tendered an unqualified apology in the Supreme Court over alleged misleading advertisements. In an affidavit, Patanjali Ayurved Managing Director Acharya Balkrishna said that he submits an unqualified apology before the top court for the breach of the statement recorded in the order copy of the top court dated November 21, 2023.

Patanjali Ayurved Managing Director Acharya Balkrishna has tendered an unqualified apology in the Supreme Court over alleged misleading advertisements. In an affidavit, Patanjali Ayurved Managing Director Acharya Balkrishna said that he submits an unqualified apology before the top court for the breach of the statement recorded in the order copy of the top court dated November 21, 2023. Acharya Balkrishna said that he will ensure that such advertisements are not issued in the future and submits that its intention is only to exhort the citizens of this country to lead a healthier life by consuming products of the Ayurvedic company, including products for lifestyle ailments, through the use of age old literature and materials supplemented and backed by Ayurvedic research. "The deponent regrets that the advertisement in question, which was meant to contain only general statements, inadvertently included the offending sentences. The same was bona-fide and added to the routine course by the media department of the Respondent No. 5 Company. The personnel of the media department of the Respondent No. 5 Company were not cognizant of the order dated November 21, 2023," read the affidavit. Acharya Balkrishna further submitted that Schedule J of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954, read with the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1955, is in an archaic state and the last changes were introduced in 1996. The Drug & Cosmetic Act, 1940, was passed when scientific evidence in Ayurveda research was lacking. The Ayurvedic Company now possesses evidence-based scientific data with clinical research conducted in Ayurveda, which would demonstrate the advances made through scientific research in the context of diseases mentioned in the said schedule. In light of the same, it is humbly submitted that the deponent's only quest is for a better and healthier life for each and every citizen and to reduce the burden on the country's healthcare infrastructure by providing holistic, evidence based solutions for lifestyle-related medical complications through the use of the age-old traditional approaches of Ayurveda and Yoga, the affidavit said. In fact, the idea was to promote the Ayurvedic products, which are based on age old literature/material backed by scientific research, the affidavit said. The affidavit came as a response to the SC's earlier order, whereby the court sought from Patanjali Ayurveda Managing Director Acharya Balkrishna a response to the show cause notice in contempt proceedings against him over alleged misleading advertisements of Patanjali Ayurved. In the earlier hearing, the top court issued notice to Ayurvedic Company, asking it to show cause why contempt of action should not be initiated against the company and its managing director for giving misleading advertisements. The top court had observed that the ayurvedic company has prima facie violated the top court's order dated November 20, 2023, where it cautioned against misleading advertisements about its medicines. The court had also restrained the Ayurvedic Company (Patanjali Ayurved) from advertising or branding their products specified as treating disease under the drug norms and also cautioned it from making any statements against any system of medicine in the media. The court's observation came when it noted that the company has given alleged misleading advertisements. The court was dealing with an Indian Medical Association plea seeking to frame guidelines for prohibiting false and misleading advertisements in relation to allopathy and modern medicine. IMA, a registered society, has more than 3,30,000 medical doctors as its members all over the country. The petition also raised the issue of the campaign of misguidance, misinformation and disparagement against the modern system of medicine. IMA, in its plea, had sought to pass an order directing the Center and others to immediately take strict and prompt action, in accordance with law, for the violation of the provisions of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954, the Drugs & Cosmetics Rules, 1945 and the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 by the repeated acts of omission and commission of Respondent Patanjali Ayurved Ltd., including by publishing advertisements all over the country making illegal and prohibited claims.

Patanjali MD Acharya Balkrishna submits unqualified apology to Supreme Court over alleged misleading ads

French luxury group LVMH Moet Hennessy - Louis Vuitton, is willing to invest a mammoth US $500 million (Rs 3250 crore) in Patanjali Ayurveda.

Patanjali spokesperson SK Gupta Tijarawala conveyed the information on Twitter on Thursday, and added, &quot;Acharya Balkrishna (MD of Patanjali) has said that just as we use foreign technology for our development, we do not hesitate to use foreign funds for the benefit of our country, but we will take it on our own terms.will not give share/stake.&quot;

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फ्रांस के लक्जरी ग्रुप LVMH ने <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%9C%E0%A4%B2%E0%A4%BF?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#पतंजलि</a> में $500मिलियन (₹3250करोड़) निवेश करने की इच्छा जताई तो <a href="https://twitter.com/Ach_Balkrishna?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Ach_Balkrishna</a> जी ने कहा जैसे हम विदेशी तकनीक का उपयोग प्रगति के लिए करते हैं वैसे हमें राष्ट्र हित के लिए विदेशी पूंजी से परहेज़ नहीं, पर लेंगे अपनी शर्तों पर..शेयर/स्टेक नहीं देंगे <a href="https://t.co/4ae8TbyZTh">pic.twitter.com/4ae8TbyZTh</a>
&mdash; tijarawala sk (@tijarawala) <a href="https://twitter.com/tijarawala/status/951304357097619456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In the news clipping attached in the tweet, Balakrishna is quoted as saying that the company needs &quot;Rs 5000 crore to set up plants in Nagpur, Greater Noida, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Haryana and Rajasthan and for the cultivation of aromatic and herbal plants on 10,100 acres&quot;.&nbsp;

Patanjali spokesperson SK Gupta Tijarawala conveyed the information on Twitter on Thursday

French luxury group LVMH Moet Hennessy - Louis Vuitton, is willing to invest a mammoth US $500 million (Rs 3250 crore) in Patanjali Ayurveda. Patanjali spokesperson SK Gupta Tijarawala conveyed the information on Twitter on Thursday, and added, "Acharya Balkrishna (MD of Patanjali) has said that just as we use foreign technology for our development, we do not hesitate to use foreign funds for the benefit of our country, but we will take it on our own terms.will not give share/stake." फ्रांस के लक्जरी ग्रुप LVMH ने #पतंजलि में $500मिलियन (₹3250करोड़) निवेश करने की इच्छा जताई तो @Ach_Balkrishna जी ने कहा जैसे हम विदेशी तकनीक का उपयोग प्रगति के लिए करते हैं वैसे हमें राष्ट्र हित के लिए विदेशी पूंजी से परहेज़ नहीं, पर लेंगे अपनी शर्तों पर..शेयर/स्टेक नहीं देंगे pic.twitter.com/4ae8TbyZTh — tijarawala sk (@tijarawala) January 11, 2018 × In the news clipping attached in the tweet, Balakrishna is quoted as saying that the company needs "Rs 5000 crore to set up plants in Nagpur, Greater Noida, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Haryana and Rajasthan and for the cultivation of aromatic and herbal plants on 10,100 acres".

French luxury group Louis Vuitton eyes Rs 3000 crore investment in Patanjali