Uttarakhand Authority Cancels Licenses for 14 Patanjali Products

The Uttarakhand government filed an affidavit stating that the State Licencing Authority had issued a public notice warning of strict disciplinary and legal action for drug advertisements contrary to the law. The notice included the possibility of fines, imprisonment, or both. The State Licencing Authority granted permission to the Drug Inspector to file a complaint against Divya Pharmacy and Patanjali Ayurved Ltd. for repeated violations of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954.

The manufacturing licenses for 14 products of Divya Pharmacy and Patanjali Ayurved Ltd. were suspended with immediate effect under Rule 159(1) of The Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945. The District Ayurvedic and Unani Officer, Haridwar, filed a criminal complaint 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 State Licencing Authority committed to taking further steps against the companies in accordance with the law and directives from the Supreme Court.

The Indian Medical Association has called for action against Patanjali for violating the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act. This act 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. Patanjali had previously undertaken before the Supreme Court not to make any casual statements claiming the medicinal efficacy of its products or advertise or brand them in violation of the law.

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