The Supreme Court has strongly criticized the Uttarakhand government’s drug licensing authority and Patanjali Ayurved for misleading advertisements related to Coronil, a product claimed to be a COVID-19 remedy. The court, visibly upset by the lack of action against Patanjali’s misleading ads, demanded accountability from both the authorities and the company’s founders.
During the proceedings, Justice Hima Kohli and Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah expressed dismay at the insincere apologies from Patanjali and its founders, particularly focusing on Dr Mithilesh Kumar, the Joint Director of the state’s Food and Drug Administration. Dr Kumar, seeking leniency, explained that he assumed his role after the incidents occurred, but the court was unsympathetic.
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The court questioned why action was not taken against Patanjali despite repeated violations and even suspended three officers from the drug licensing authority for their inaction. It highlighted that the Uttarakhand FDA’s response, issuing warnings to Patanjali, was insufficient under the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act.
The court criticized Dr Kumar for failing to seek legal advice and take appropriate steps after receiving notices from the Health Ministry regarding misleading advertisements. Despite Dr Kumar’s assurance of registering action, the court ordered him to remain inactive for some time, condemning the negligence that endangered public health.
This condemnation follows previous reprimands directed at Patanjali’s co-founders for defying court orders and continuing to publish misleading advertisements. The court has also questioned the AYUSH Ministry’s inaction against Patanjali’s objectionable ads that undermined conventional medicine.
The legal dispute originated from a petition by the Indian Medical Association, which accused Baba Ramdev of conducting a smear campaign against COVID-19 vaccinations and modern medicine. The court’s intervention highlights the gravity of the issue and the importance of upholding regulations to protect public health and combat misinformation in advertising.
In summary, the Supreme Court’s stern rebuke of both the Uttarakhand drug licensing authority and Patanjali Ayurved underscores the need for strict enforcement of laws governing advertisement practices, especially in matters concerning public health and safety. The court’s actions aim to hold accountable those responsible for misleading advertisements and to uphold the integrity of regulatory frameworks aimed at safeguarding public welfare.
