Uttarakhand Authority Suspends Licenses of 14 Patanjali & Divya Pharmacy Products

Dehradun, April 30, 2024

In a significant development, the Uttarakhand State Licensing Authority has suspended the manufacturing licenses of 14 products manufactured by Patanjali’s Divya Pharmacy. The suspension comes in response to repeated violations of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act and the Drugs and Cosmetic Act due to misleading advertising practices.

The manufacturing licenses of 14 products of Patanjali Ayurved Ltd and its sister concern Divya Pharmacy were suspended on April 15, stated the Uttarakhand State Licensing Authority in an affidavit filed before the Supreme Court on Monday (April 29).

Invoking the power under Rule 159(1) of the Drugs and Cosmetic Rules 1954, the licenses of these products were suspended with “immediate effect”, the Authority stated. Notably, the order came after the Supreme Court pulled up the State Authority on April 10 for its inaction against Patanjali and Divya Pharmacy for their illegal advertisements of these products.

Here are the details:

Background and Violations

Patanjali, founded by yoga guru Baba Ramdev, has faced scrutiny over its advertising claims for various products. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) raised concerns about misleading advertisements that disparaged conventional medicines. Despite court directives to cease such practices, Patanjali continued publishing ads that allegedly misled consumers.

The Suspended Products of Patanjali

The 14 products whose manufacturing licenses have been suspended include some of Patanjali’s traditional medicines:

1. Swasari Gold
2. Swasari Vati
3. Bronchom
4. Swasari Pravahi
5. Swasari Avaleh
6. Mukta Vati Extra Power
7. Lipidom
8. Bp Grit
9. Madhugrit
10. Madhunashini Vati Extra Power
11. Livamrit Advance
12. Livogrit
13. Eyegrit Gold
14. Patanjali Drishti Eye Drop

The Court’s Role

The Supreme Court has been closely monitoring the case. Baba Ramdev acknowledged the lapse on his firm’s part and issued public apologies through newspaper advertisements. However, the judges are considering whether to press contempt charges against him. The IMA criticized Ramdev for his claims related to curing Covid-19 and derogatory remarks against modern medicine, labeling it as “stupid and bankrupt science.”

The Uttarakhand State Licensing Authority recently took a significant step by suspending the manufacturing licenses of 14 products sold by Patanjali Ayurved and Divya Pharmacy. Here are the key points regarding the court’s involvement:

1. Background and Violations:
   • Patanjali, founded by yoga guru Baba Ramdev, has faced scrutiny over its advertising claims for various products.
   • The Indian Medical Association (IMA) raised concerns about misleading advertisements that disparaged conventional medicines.
   • Despite court directives to cease such practices, Patanjali continued publishing ads that allegedly misled consumers.
2. The Suspended Products:
   • The 14 products whose manufacturing licenses were suspended include traditional medicines such as Swasari Gold, Swasari Vati, Bronchom, and others.
   • These suspensions occurred due to repeated violations of regulations, particularly concerning misleading advertisements.
3. Court Monitoring:
   • The Supreme Court has been closely monitoring the case.
   • Baba Ramdev acknowledged the lapse on his firm’s part and issued public apologies through newspaper advertisements.
   • However, the judges are considering whether to press contempt charges against him.

Implications and Public Perception

The suspension of licenses is a significant setback for Patanjali and its founder. It raises questions about the company’s adherence to advertising regulations and its impact on public health. Consumers rely on accurate information when choosing healthcare products, and misleading advertisements can have serious consequences.

Way Forward

As the legal battle continues, the focus remains on transparency, accountability, and responsible advertising. The Uttarakhand Authority’s action sends a strong message to all companies that flouting advertising norms will not be tolerated.

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