Uttarakhand Licensing Authority on Misleading Patanjali Ads

• 09 Apr 2024

Why in News?

Recently, the Uttarakhand State Licensing Authority (SLA) has been reprimanded by the Supreme Court for its failure to address complaints regarding misleading advertisements by Patanjali, which had persisted for over two years.

• The Supreme Court rejected the SLA's latest justification for its inaction.

Key Points

• The Ayush ministry filed an affidavit in court which showed that the SLA had not taken any action on a complaint filed in February 2022, beyond giving a warning and asking the company to stop advertisements, though the company continued to advertise throughout the two years.
• The petition against Patanjali stated that it was for violation of section 3 of the Drugs and Magic Remedies Act (DMRA), which prohibits advertising drugs for 54 diseases and conditions.
  • The Act prohibits advertisements of drugs and remedies that claim to have magical properties, and makes doing so an offence.
    • The Act defines "magic remedy" to include talismans, mantras, kavachas (amulets), and any other similar items that claim supernatural or magical properties for curing ailments.

Meaning of 'Ayush'

• Traditional and Non-Conventional systems of Health care and healing which include Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and Homoeopathy etc.
• The Indian systems of medicine exhibit significant strengths, including diversity and flexibility.
• These systems are highly accessible and affordable for a broad section of the population.
• Compared to conventional healthcare, these systems incur relatively lower costs.
• They demonstrate growing economic value, highlighting their potential to serve as vital healthcare providers for a substantial portion of the populace.