Uttarakhand Authority Cancels Licenses for 14 Patanjali Products

The Uttarakhand government has taken legal action against Divya Pharmacy and Patanjali Ayurved Ltd. for repeated violations of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954. The State Licencing Authority has suspended manufacturing licenses for 14 products from these companies, citing violations of the law. The authorities have warned that any further violations will result in strict disciplinary and legal action, including fines, imprisonment, or both. The affidavit filed by the State Licensing Authority, Ayurvedic and Unani Services, has granted permission to the Drug Inspector to file a complaint against the companies for their violations.

The District Ayurvedic and Unani Officer has filed a criminal complaint against key figures associated with the companies under relevant sections of the Act. The Indian Medical Association has also sought action against Patanjali for violating the Act, which prohibits the advertisement of certain products for the treatment of specified diseases and disorders. The companies had earlier made an undertaking to the Supreme Court, promising not to make casual statements about the medicinal efficacy of their products or advertise them in violation of the law. However, the authorities are now taking further action against the companies as per the procedure prescribed in law and the directions issued by the Supreme Court.

The top court had previously ordered officials to explain their inaction on the matter. This development represents a significant legal challenge for the companies in question.