Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev and his company Patanjali Ayurved have been slapped with a bailable arrest warrant by a Kerala court for failing to appear in court on January 16. This is the first such warrant issued against the trio in Kerala and marks a significant step in the ongoing legal battles against the brand’s misleading advertising claims. The case, registered in October 2024, accuses Patanjali of promoting healthcare products with unsubstantiated claims, including cures for high blood pressure and diabetes, which are illegal under the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954. The company has been accused of making false claims about their products, including cures for diseases like diabetes, obesity, and COVID-19.
This is not an isolated incident, with similar cases pending in other states, including Kozhikode and Haridwar. The alleged non-appearance in multiple hearings suggests a pattern of evasion, which has irked the judiciary. The Kerala court’s decision follows a warning from the Supreme Court, which has urged states and union territories to take strict action against individuals and companies promoting misleading medical claims.
The issue raises questions about accountability in the Indian advertising space, particularly for health-related products. Misleading advertisements can have serious consequences, especially for vulnerable consumers seeking quick fixes for serious health problems. The case highlights the need for greater scrutiny of health claims made by companies like Patanjali, which has built a reputation on promoting natural remedies and Ayurvedic practices.
For Baba Ramdev, this is a test of his brand’s credibility. The company must either substantiate its claims or face the consequences of overpromising and underdelivering. With the judiciary cracking down on misleading medical claims, the days of unchecked advertising may be numbered.