The Uttarakhand government has taken an essential step by suspending the manufacturing licences for 14 products made by Baba Ramdev’s Patanjali Ayurved and its subsidiary, Divya Pharmacy. This decision came after these companies were found repeatedly violating rules, especially by running misleading advertisements. The action aims to ensure that companies follow regulations and provide consumers with accurate product information.
Patanjali’s Banned Products
Several Patanjali products, including well-known ones like Drishti Eye Drops, BP Grit, and Madhugrit, have had their licenses suspended by the authorities. The list of banned products includes 14 items: Swasari Gold, Swasari Vati, Bronchom, Swasari Pravahi, Swasari Avaleh, Mukta Vati Extra Power, Lipidom, BP Grit, Madhugrit, Madhunashini Vati Extra Power, Livamrit Advance, Livogrit, Eyegrit Gold, and Patanjali Drishti Eye Drop. As a result, these products can only be sold once their licenses are reinstated.
Reasons For The Ban
The Uttarakhand State Licensing Authority took this action under Rule 159(1) of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945. They suspended the licences of 14 Patanjali products due to repeated violations of regulations and misleading advertisements. In an affidavit to the Supreme Court, the authority stated that on April 15, 2024, they issued an order to suspend the manufacturing licences immediately. They also allowed the Drug Inspector to file a criminal complaint against Baba Ramdev, Acharya Balkrishna, Divya Pharmacy, and Patanjali Ayurved Limited under the relevant sections of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act. The authority emphasised the importance of adhering to regulatory standards to protect consumers.
Patanjali’s Response
Following the Uttarakhand government’s decision, Patanjali Ayurved has informed the Supreme Court that it has directed its exclusive and franchise stores to remove 14 specific products from their shelves. Additionally, the company has requested that media platforms cease advertising these products. Despite this, Patanjali has expressed its intention to challenge the suspension of licences for these items through legal channels. The company asserts that it considers the regulatory action unnecessary and intends to present its arguments to the relevant authorities to defend its position.
Ongoing Legal Disputes
The suspension of these 14 Patanjali products is the latest development in an ongoing legal battle between the company and the Indian Medical Association (IMA). The IMA had filed a plea in the Supreme Court alleging a smear campaign by Patanjali against the COVID-19 vaccination drive and modern medicine. The Supreme Court has been critical of Patanjali’s conduct in this case and has previously refused to accept apologies from Baba Ramdev and other accused. The court is considering initiating contempt proceedings against Patanjali and its founders.
The Uttarakhand government has taken a significant step by suspending the licences of 14 Patanjali products, including well-known items like Drishti Eye Drops and BP Grit. The decision poses a considerable challenge for Patanjali, highlighting the scrutiny it faces regarding its advertising methods and its legal disputes with the medical community. As Patanjali gears up to contest this suspension, the result of this case will profoundly impact how the company operates.
