A Kerala court (Judicial First Class Magistrate-II, Palakkad) issued non-bailable warrants (NBWs) on February 10 against Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balakrishna for failing to appear in a criminal case related to alleged misleading medical advertisements by Divya Pharmacy, an affiliate of Patanjali Ayurved. The court directed authorities to ensure their presence by February 15.
Earlier, the court had issued bailable warrants for their appearance on February 1. However, their absence prompted the escalation to non-bailable warrants.
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The case, filed by the Kerala Drugs Inspector (Drugs Inspector Palakkad v. Divya Pharmacy and others | ST/0001525/2024), accuses Divya Pharmacy, Balakrishna, and Ramdev of violating Sections 3, 3(b), and 3(d) of The Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954:
- Section 3: Prohibits ads promoting drugs for specific diseases.
- Section 3(b): Bans ads claiming enhancement of sexual pleasure.
- Section 3(d): Forbids ads asserting cures for diseases listed under the Act.
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Divya Pharmacy is the first accused, followed by Balakrishna (second) and Ramdev (third).
"The warrants aim to compel their presence in court. Ignoring prior summons led to stricter action."
Patanjali’s Legal Troubles
This isn’t Patanjali’s first clash with legal authorities. In 2023, the Supreme Court reprimanded the company for misleading ads that criticized allopathy and falsely claimed cures for chronic diseases. A contempt notice was issued, but the case was later closed after Ramdev and Balakrishna submitted a public apology.
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"The Supreme Court’s prior intervention highlights systemic issues in Patanjali’s advertising practices."
The NBWs require Ramdev and Balakrishna to appear before the Kerala court by February 15. Failure to comply could lead to arrests or further penalties. The case underscores stricter enforcement of laws against misleading medical claims in India.
