Tue Jan 21 00:10:00 IST 2025: ## Patanjali Faces Arrest Warrants in Kerala Over Misleading Ads
**KOCHI, Kerala –** A Judicial First Class Magistrate in Palakkad, Kerala has issued bailable arrest warrants for yoga guru Baba Ramdev, Acharya Balkrishna, and Divya Pharmacy, the marketing arm of Patanjali Ayurved. The trio failed to appear in court on January 16th to answer charges of misleading advertising related to their health products.
The case, filed in October 2024, alleges that Patanjali made unsubstantiated claims about its products curing diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and even Covid-19, violating the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954. This is the first arrest warrant issued against the trio in Kerala, but is one of at least ten cases filed against them across the state, signaling a growing legal challenge to the company’s marketing practices.
The court’s action follows a Supreme Court warning on January 15th to states and union territories to strictly enforce laws against misleading medical advertising. The Supreme Court expressed concern over the slow pace of legal action against such claims.
Patanjali’s alleged failure to appear in court multiple times has prompted criticism. The company’s next court date is scheduled for February 1st. The ongoing legal battles highlight broader concerns about accountability in the Indian advertising industry, particularly regarding health products, and the potential harm caused by misleading claims targeting vulnerable consumers. The future of Patanjali’s brand image hinges on resolving these legal challenges and proving the veracity of their advertised claims.
First Piper 