5 Legal Shocks: Kerala Court Issues Arrest Warrant Against Baba Ramdev, Acharya Balkrishna in Patanjali’s Misleading Ads Scandal

Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna, co-founders of Patanjali Ayurved, are once again in the spotlight due to legal issues surrounding misleading advertisements. The most recent development is from Kerala, where the two and their linked business, Divya Pharmacy, are the subject of a bailable arrest order issued by the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court in Palakkad. Concerns over the brand’s advertising strategies and their adherence to Indian law have been further raised by this legal action.
The Case Against Patanjali
The case began in October 2024 when the Palakkad Drug Inspector submitted a report. The accusations emerge from the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act of 1954, which forbids the promotion of specific medications and treatments for illnesses or conditions in the absence of strong proof of their effectiveness. The case was brought after Patanjali reportedly ran misleading newspaper ads suggesting that its medicines could treat conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, and even COVID-19.
The advertisements, which were released in both Malayalam and English, broke a number of Act provisions that prohibit the marketing of health claims that lack evidence backing them.The bailable arrest warrant was issued because Baba Ramdev, Acharya Balkrishna, and officials from Divya Pharmacy did not show up for the January 16 court hearing despite being called.
Legal Ramifications and Broader Implications
This warrant’s issuance fits with a larger pattern in India where misleading marketing is coming under more scrutiny. The purpose of the Drugs and Magic Remedies Act was to protect consumers from unsubstantiated medical claims. Advertisements that make unsubstantiated claims to diagnose, treat, or prevent any illness are prohibited by Section 3(d) of the Act. The marketing of treatments for complicated illnesses like diabetes and COVID-19 is one of Patanjali’s contentious assertions that have alarmed both legal authorities and medical professionals.
The Supreme Court of India issued a severe warning, which was followed by the Court’s decision. The Apex Court emphasised the importance of taking prompt action against deceptive medical ads in January 2025, warning that inaction may lead to contempt proceedings. This demonstrates how crucial regulatory supervision is becoming in India’s quickly rising wellness and health sector.
The Bigger Picture: Misleading Health Claims in the Spotlight
Popular for its natural and Ayurvedic goods, Patanjali Ayurved has been a household name in India for a long time under Baba Ramdev’s guidance. Ramdev’s popularity as a yoga instructor and advocate for conventional health techniques is a key component of the brand’s marketing approach. Patanjali has already been accused of misleading marketing, although before this incident.
Patanjali was criticised in the past for promoting goods that claimed to treat a wide range of conditions, frequently without adequate clinical evidence. Given that these products are frequently offered to vulnerable customers looking for immediate health answers, the debate surrounding these claims raises serious ethical questions.
Ongoing Legal Battles
For Patanjali, this case is only one of several unresolved legal matters. Similar cases have been filed in Haridwar and Kozhikode, among other locations in India. The necessity for stricter controls in the health and wellness industry, especially with regard to product claims, has been highlighted by these continuing legal disputes.
The courts are firmly opposing misleading advertising techniques in the contemporary environment, when health disinformation may have major repercussions. Patanjali’s ongoing participation in these disputes might further damage its brand and undermine trust among consumers.
Conclusion: Accountability in Advertising
The consequences of Baba Ramdev and Patanjali’s overpromising and underdelivering on their product promises are now being felt. This case serves as a reminder of the value of truth in advertising, particularly when it comes to health-related items, as the legal procedures occur.
The increasing number of legal challenges raises the possibility that unrestricted advertising may soon come to an end. The pressure on Patanjali is increasing. The business must now endeavour to support its assertions or risk the increasing legal and reputational consequences. As the case develops, it will probably establish a standard for future handling of deceptive advertising by the Indian judicial system.