The chief judicial magistrate in Pithoragarh handed down a significant ruling, sentencing three individuals, including an assistant manager of Patanjali Ayurved Ltd, to six months in prison and imposing fines, following the failure of a Patanjali food product quality test conducted at a laboratory in Rudrapur, Uttarakhand.
The controversy arose when a food safety inspector raised concerns about Patanjali Navratna Elaichi Soan Papdi sold at a shop in Berinag, Pithoragarh, in 2019. Subsequent testing confirmed substandard quality, prompting legal action against the distributor, businessman, and Patanjali assistant manager involved in the product’s distribution and manufacture.
The sentencing and fines underscore the seriousness with which authorities are addressing food safety concerns, signaling the importance of stringent quality control measures in the food industry.
In a parallel development, the Supreme Court addressed the suspension of manufacturing licenses for 14 Patanjali products by the Uttarakhand State Licensing Authority. Senior advocate Balbir Singh, representing Patanjali, informed the court of the cessation of sales for these products. The court granted a three-week extension for Patanjali to file affidavits detailing steps taken to recall advertisements for the suspended products.
While reserving orders on the contempt notice issued to Patanjali Ayurved Ltd, Balkrishna, and Ramdev, the court clarified that the latter two individuals need not appear in court until further directives are issued.
This legal saga highlights the growing scrutiny faced by companies in ensuring product quality and compliance with regulatory standards. Patanjali’s response to the court’s directives will be closely monitored, with implications for its reputation and consumer trust.
