As of February 2025, Baba Ramdev and his associate, Acharya Balakrishna, are confronting multiple legal challenges in Kerala related to allegedly misleading medical advertisements. A notable case involves the Kerala Drugs Inspector filing a complaint against Divya Pharmacy, an affiliate of Patanjali Ayurved, for publishing advertisements claiming their products could cure ailments like high blood pressure and diabetes. These claims are purportedly in violation of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954.
In response to their non-appearance in court, the Judicial First Class Magistrate-II Court in Palakkad issued non-bailable warrants against both Ramdev and Balakrishna, mandating their presence at the next hearing scheduled for February 15, 2025.
This case is among several legal proceedings against Patanjali Ayurved and its founders across Kerala, with reports indicating up to 10 similar cases filed within the state.
These legal challenges in Kerala are part of a broader pattern of scrutiny faced by Patanjali Ayurved. In 2024, the Supreme Court of India admonished the company for disseminating misleading advertisements, leading to a temporary ban on certain product promotions and the revocation of licenses for 14 products by the Uttarakhand Licensing Authority.
The ongoing legal proceedings in Kerala underscore the heightened vigilance of regulatory bodies and the judiciary in addressing misleading medical claims, aiming to safeguard consumer interests and uphold ethical advertising standards.
