Health
Supreme Court’s Harsh Remarks on Patanjali Case Unfolded
The Supreme Court has delivered strong remarks on the inaction against Patanjali Ayurved, founded by Yoga guru Ramdev and his aide Balkrishna, in the ongoing case pertaining to misleading claims related to COVID-19 cures.
The court criticized the Uttarakhand authorities for their negligence and pointed out the risks faced by faceless individuals who might have consumed Patanjali medicines based on false claims.
Initially, the controversy sparked when Ramdev launched Patanjali’s Coronil as a ‘cure’ for COVID-19 just before the Delta wave hit India. This led to a series of events including the publication of misleading advertisements and controversial statements by Ramdev.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) took a stand against these claims, demanding accountability for the misinformation spread by Ramdev and Patanjali.
As the case progressed, it was revealed that Patanjali had sought to upgrade Coronil’s license to be marketed as a medicine for COVID-19, despite clarifications from authorities that it was not a cure.
The IMA filed a petition against Patanjali, citing misleading advertisements claiming to cure various diseases using Patanjali products. This led to a legal battle over violation of advertising regulations.
The Supreme Court intervened, warning Patanjali against false claims and directing them to adhere to advertising laws. However, Patanjali continued to defy the court’s orders, leading to further contempt proceedings.
During the hearings, the Supreme Court also scrutinized the actions of the Uttarakhand Drug Licensing Authority and individuals like Dr. Mithilesh Kumar, who faced repercussions for failing to act against the misleading advertisements.
The court’s relentless pursuit of accountability exposed the gaps in regulatory enforcement and highlighted the importance of upholding truth in healthcare messaging.
As the case unfolds, the Supreme Court’s firm stance against misinformation in the health sector sets a precedent for holding corporations and officials accountable for public safety.
