The Supreme Court of India has issued a contempt notice against Patanjali Ayurved and its Managing Director, Acharya Balkrishna, for allegedly violating the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954, and its associated rules. This action comes despite the company’s earlier undertaking to the court in November to refrain from advertising its products as providing “permanent relief” for various diseases, including obesity, blood pressure, asthma, etc.
The Bench comprising Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah expressed dissatisfaction with Patanjali and Acharya Balkrishna for not adhering to their previous assurance to the Supreme Court. The court questioned the Centre, represented by Additional Solicitor General K.M. Nataraj, about any actions taken in response to the Patanjali advertisements violating the law.
This contempt notice underscores the court’s commitment to upholding advertising regulations and ensuring that companies adhere to legal standards when promoting their products. Patanjali and its MD now face legal consequences for alleged violations of the 1954 Act despite previous commitments made to the court.
