Ramdev was summoned to appear before the court on 16 January but failed to comply. Subsequently, the court issued a warrant on the same day and directed him to appear in person on 1 February to seek bail.
Published Jan 19, 2025 | 11:52 AM ⚊ Updated Jan 19, 2025 | 11:52 AM
Baba Ramdev.
The Palakkad judicial first-class magistrate court in Kerala issued an arrest warrant against Patanjali Ayurved founders Baba Ramdev and Balkrishna in connection with a case alleging violations of drug advertisement laws through misleading claims of miraculous benefits.
The case was initiated by the Kerala Drugs Control Department.
Self-styled yoga guru Ramdev was previously summoned to appear before the court on Thursday, 16 January but failed to comply. Subsequently, the court issued a warrant on the same day and directed him to appear in person on 1 February to seek bail.
“Complainant absent. All accused served. Bailable warrant to all accused,” the court said.
This marks the first instance in Kerala where legal proceedings have been initiated against the owners of Divya Pharmacy, a manufacturing unit under the Patanjali Group, with a warrant issued as part of the case.
Ramdev and Balkrishna, the president and general secretary of the Divya Yog Mandir Trust, respectively, are facing legal trouble under Section 3(d) of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954.
This law prohibits advertisements prescribing medicines for health issues covered under the Act.
The cases stem from a complaint filed by public health activist Dr KV Babu. Acting on the complaint, the State Drugs Controller of Kerala initiated a crackdown in October 2023, targeting misleading advertisements by the Patanjali Group.
Kerala has taken the lead in pursuing legal action, filing 10 out of the total 11 cases against Patanjali Group across the country. Cases have been registered in several districts, including Palakkad (three), Ernakulam (two), and Thiruvananthapuram (one). The first case was lodged in the Kozhikode First-Class Magistrate Court-4.
The Kozhikode court first considered the case on 14 January but adjourned it to 15 April due to the non-appearance of the accused. The case marks a significant milestone as it is the first such case in India filed under this provision.
This crackdown highlights increasing scrutiny of advertising practices in the healthcare sector. With 11 cases filed nationwide, the Patanjali Group faces mounting pressure to address allegations of misleading advertisements.
The legal actions against the Patanjali Group signal a broader effort to enforce regulations and protect consumers from deceptive claims.
The outcome of these cases is expected to set a precedent for addressing similar violations in the future.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
