14 Products of Patanjali and Divya Pharmacy Suspended by Uttarakhand Authority

Moneylife Digital Team 30 April 2024

Investor Interest

While tendering an unconditional and unqualified apology before the Supreme Court, the Uttarakhand state licensing authority (SLA) says it has suspended the manufacturing licenscs of 14 products of Patanjali Ayurved Ltd and Divya Pharmacy. It also filed a criminal complaint against Patanjali Ayurved and its founders, Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna, for violating the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act.

Patanjali Ayurved and Divya Pharmacy's products, which are suspended by Uttarakhand, are: 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 Drishty Eye Drop.

In an affidavit, the Uttarakhand state authority says, "The SLA has been vigilant in its duties and has taken appropriate steps to ensure due compliance under the said Acts and Rules ... SLA also has a family to look after and therefore any observations made by this Hon'ble Court will have a detrimental effect on his career.... SLA herein is completely aware of the gravity of the situation and seriousness of the matter at hand and has always endeavoured to discharge its duties to the best of his capacity and in accordance with law."

The affidavit was filed in response to a plea filed by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) against an alleged smear campaign carried out by Patanjali and its founders, Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna against the COVID-19 vaccination drive and modern medicine.

It further says that the manufacturing licenses for 14 of Patanjali's products have been suspended with immediate effect under rule 159(1) of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules.

The body added that on 24th April, it informed the Union ministry of AYUSH of its action against Patanjali Ayurved.

Earlier this month, the Supreme Court also rapped the Uttarakhand government and the state licensing authority for 'doing nothing' and 'twiddling their thumbs' while Patanjali continued violating orders given by the apex court.

The bench also grilled the Uttarakhand government for its inaction against Patanjali. It asked the counsel representing Uttarakhand government, "How do you explain your conduct? We are not going to let (you) go free. Why should we not come down on you like a ton of bricks?"

Stating that the state government is 'hand in glove' with Patanjali, SC says, "Why should we not believe that you are in cahoots with Patanjali? That you have not kept your eyes closed deliberately and let them get away with everything? Your officers have done nothing! Action has to be taken against your officers." (Read: Baba Ramdev, Acharya Balkrishna Apologise for Misleading Patanjali Ads, SC says "You Are Not So Innocent")

Comments

User

G. Ravishankar

11 months ago

If the Patanjali Management has published wrongful advertisements, the individuals responsible should be punished appropriately after conviction.

The entity manufacturing medicines should be allowed to make and sell products. Lakhs or millions of people are using Patanjali medicines and their interest cannot be hurt. So suspending the manufacturing licence of Patanjali is a hare-brained act of the SLA and anti public. For this again the Uttarakhand SLA should severly punished for risking the lives of those dependant on Patanjali medicines.

david.rasquinha

11 months ago

Animal Farm : "All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others"

r_ashok41

11 months ago

Good work done by sc .There will be lot of organisations enjoying patronage of the state and central govts due to which the authorities do not act on these organisations and unless someone dies or points out the same they ask lot of questions like authenticity and to file an fir etc so that they will look after it .These are delaying tactics employed .If the authorities concerned for checking had been doing their job forwhich they are paid salary then these sort of issues will not recurr