Supreme Court Stops Government from Removing Rule Against Misleading Ads for Ayurvedic Medicines
The Supreme Court of India has paused the government’s decision to remove Rule 170 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945. This rule is important because it stops misleading advertisements for Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Unani medicines.
A bench of Justices Hima Kohli and Sandeep Mehta said that Rule 170 will stay in the law books until further notice. The Ministry of AYUSH had issued a notification on July 1, 2024, to remove this rule, but the court said this goes against an earlier order.
The court was looking into misleading health claims made by some companies, including a petition by the Indian Medical Association against Patanjali. The Ministry of AYUSH has been given time to explain why they wanted to remove Rule 170, but until then, the rule will stay in place.
Doubts Revealed
Supreme Court -: The Supreme Court is the highest court in India. It makes important decisions about laws and rules in the country.
Ayurvedic Medicines -: Ayurvedic medicines are traditional Indian medicines made from natural ingredients like plants and herbs. They are used to treat various health problems.
Rule 170 -: Rule 170 is a specific rule in the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, that stops companies from making false or misleading advertisements about Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Unani medicines.
Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 -: These are rules made in 1945 to ensure that medicines and cosmetics in India are safe and not misleading. They include many specific rules like Rule 170.
Misleading Advertisements -: Misleading advertisements are ads that give false or incorrect information to make people believe something that is not true. For example, saying a medicine can cure a disease when it cannot.
Siddha and Unani Medicines -: Siddha and Unani are traditional systems of medicine like Ayurveda. Siddha is mainly practiced in Tamil Nadu, and Unani has roots in ancient Greek medicine.
Indian Medical Association -: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) is a group of doctors in India. They work to improve medical practices and healthcare in the country.
Patanjali -: Patanjali is a company in India that makes and sells Ayurvedic products, including medicines, food items, and personal care products.
Ministry of AYUSH -: The Ministry of AYUSH is a part of the Indian government that focuses on traditional systems of medicine like Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy.
Petition -: A petition is a formal request made to a court or government asking for a specific action or decision. In this case, the Indian Medical Association made a petition to stop misleading ads.
