In a recent development, the Supreme Court has taken significant steps to address the issue of misleading advertisements, particularly focusing on protecting the interests of consumers.
This action follows Patanjali Ayurved's apology for disregarding Supreme Court orders, prompting the court to direct Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna to issue further apologies within a two-day timeframe.
During the court proceedings, attention was drawn to misleading advertisements by various other Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies, which were accused of deceiving the public.
Of particular concern were the potential adverse effects on vulnerable groups like infants, schoolchildren, and the elderly who might be impacted by these misleading promotions. The court emphasised the urgent need for government intervention to address this issue effectively.
Furthermore, the Supreme Court scrutinised the practices of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), expressing apprehensions regarding its endorsement of costly medications.
The court urged the IMA to rectify any unethical conduct within its ranks, especially concerning the prescription of unnecessary and expensive drugs by its affiliated doctors.
It's crucial to note that the Supreme Court's actions were not targeted at any specific entity but aimed at upholding the rule of law and safeguarding public interests. These efforts reflect a broader initiative to promote transparency and accountability in advertising practices and medical ethics.
As part of its measures, the Supreme Court directed Central Ministries to provide detailed affidavits outlining the actions taken against misleading advertisements over the past three years.
This comprehensive approach underscores the importance of addressing the issue holistically to ensure consumer protection and uphold ethical standards across various sectors.
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