In a significant development, the Supreme Court has reprimanded Patanjali Ayurveda for persistently disseminating misleading claims and advertisements against modern medical practices and vaccinations. The stern warning came during the hearing of a petition filed by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), which accused Patanjali of promoting deceptive information.
A bench comprising Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Prashant Kumar Mishra directed Patanjali Ayurveda to immediately cease all false and misleading advertisements. Justice Amanullah emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that the court would consider imposing substantial penalties, up to Rs. 1 crore, for each product falsely claiming to “cure” a specific disease.
The court made it clear that such infractions would be taken seriously, and Patanjali Ayurveda was explicitly instructed not to engage in misleading advertising in the future. Additionally, the company was warned against making casual statements in the press.
The Supreme Court directed the government to formulate a plan to combat misleading medical advertisements after consultations. The Union Government, represented by Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj, was instructed to provide suitable recommendations to tackle the problem effectively.
The court’s decision stems from concerns raised by the Indian Medical Association, reflecting a broader effort to ensure the accuracy and integrity of health-related information disseminated to the public. The matter is scheduled for further consideration on February 5, 2024, underscoring the ongoing commitment to resolving this issue and protecting public health from deceptive advertising practices.
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