Uttarakhand Suspends Licenses of 14 Patanjali Products: Criminal Complaint Filed Against Ramdev, Balkrishna

The Uttarakhand government has taken decisive action, suspending the licenses of 14 products manufactured by Patanjali. This move, initiated through an order dated April 15, is a response to alleged violations of the Drugs and Magic Remedies Act. 

Alongside this regulatory action, a criminal complaint has been filed against Baba Ramdev, Acharya Balkrishna, and Patanjali for purportedly contravening the aforementioned legislation. These developments signal a heightened focus on ensuring compliance within the herbal and Ayurvedic product industry. They underscore the necessity of adhering to stringent regulations to maintain consumer trust and safeguard public health.

Suspension of Patanjali Product Licenses: The Affected Products

The licenses of several Patanjali products have been suspended by the Uttarakhand government. The affected products include 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.

Regulatory Action Amidst Supreme Court Hearing: Ramdev and Balkrishna Under Scrutiny

The suspension of Patanjali product licenses by the Uttarakhand government occurs against the backdrop of a significant legal battle. Baba Ramdev and Patanjali’s managing director, Balkrishna, are currently facing a hearing in the Supreme Court. 

The hearing pertains to allegations of disobeying court orders that prohibited Patanjali Ayurved from disseminating misleading advertisements on health cures.

Supreme Court Hearing 2022 Plea by Indian Medical Association: Allegations of Smear Campaign

The Supreme Court is currently in the process of hearing a plea filed in 2022 by the Indian Medical Association (IMA). This plea alleges a smear campaign against both the COVID-19 vaccination drive and modern systems of medicine.

The apex court’s involvement underscores the gravity of the situation, as it grapples with allegations of misinformation and efforts to undermine public health initiatives.

Supreme Court Directs Ramdev and Patanjali: Public Apology Demanded

In a recent development, the Supreme Court has intensified its scrutiny of Baba Ramdev, his associate Acharya Balakrishnan, and Patanjali Ayurved Ltd. Last month, the court directed them to issue a public apology for failing to comply with its orders regarding misleading advertisements. 

During the hearings last week, Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah raised pointed questions, focusing on allegations of contempt of court. These allegations stem from a series of advertisements asserting that Patanjali products possess curative properties for various ailments, a direct violation of the Supreme Court’s previous directives and an undertaking made by Patanjali in this regard.

This judicial intervention underscores the judiciary’s commitment to upholding transparency and accountability in advertising practices, particularly in the context of public health.

Ramdev Offers Unqualified Apology: Denies Intention to Denigrate Modern Medicine

During the proceedings, Ramdev faced direct questioning regarding his stance on other medical systems. The court inquired, “Why would you say any other system is not good?” In response, Ramdev expressed his “unqualified and unconditional apology” for any conduct that may have been construed as disparaging towards other forms of medicine. 

He clarified that he has never sought to denigrate any medical system, including modern medicine. 

Ramdev and Balkrishna Issue Unconditional Apology: Supreme Court’s Scrutiny Leads to Revised Public Apology

Both Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna have tendered an “unconditional and unqualified apology” before the Supreme Court regarding the controversial advertisements issued by Patanjali. However, the bench later raised concerns regarding the size and visibility of the initial apology, prompting Patanjali to issue a revised public apology in newspapers on Wednesday, April 24.

The new apology, featuring bigger fonts for enhanced visibility, states, “In wake of an ongoing matter before the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, we in our individual capacity as well as on behalf of the Company, unconditionally apologize for the non-compliance or disobedience of directions/orders of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India.” 

This revised apology reflects a concerted effort to address the court’s concerns and ensure a more prominent expression of remorse for the company’s actions. It underscores the significance of adhering to court directives and upholding transparency and accountability in advertising practices.