The Supreme Court of India issued sharp criticisms towards the Uttarakhand State Licensing Authority (SLA) on Tuesday, rebuking the agency for its inaction against Patanjali Ayurved’s products due to misleading advertisements over a period of six years.
A bench comprising Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah expressed dissatisfaction with the agency’s delayed response, questioning why it had not taken action earlier. The court noted that the agency seemed to have woken up only after a recent court order.
During the hearing, the justices remarked on the agency’s sudden realization of its powers and responsibilities, highlighting the need for honesty and transparency in its dealings with the court. The agency was urged to provide honest explanations for its lack of action over the years.
In an affidavit submitted to the court, the agency detailed actions taken against Patanjali’s products following the court’s order. However, the court expressed dissatisfaction with the affidavit, indicating that the agency’s actions did not align with legal requirements.
The court also noted that Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna, facing contempt proceedings, had shown improvement in their public apology regarding misleading advertisements. However, the focus remained on the agency’s responsibilities and adherence to the law.
The bench granted the agency additional time to file a more comprehensive document, emphasizing the importance of transparency and adherence to legal standards in addressing issues related to misleading advertisements and public health.
Sources By Agencies
