Kerala court issues arrest warrant against Baba Ramdev, Balakrishna

A Kerala court has issued a bailable arrest warrant against self-styled Yoga guru Baba Ramdev and his associate Acharya Balakrishna, and the case concerns alleged misleading advertisements by Patanjali Ayurved, the company co-founded by the duo, regarding its healthcare products.

The warrant, issued by the Palakkad district court on January 16, 2025, follows legal action initiated by Kerala’s drugs control department. This action was prompted by multiple complaints from Kannur-based ophthalmologist K.V. Babu, who accused Patanjali of violating the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954. The allegations center around advertisements that claimed certain Patanjali products could cure conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes, which the DMR Act explicitly prohibits.

The court's order highlights the absence of the complainant but confirms that all accused parties have been served. The legal proceedings are part of a broader crackdown on misleading health claims in advertisements, reinforced by a recent warning from the Supreme Court. The Court cautioned states and Union Territories about potential contempt action if they failed to address misleading advertisements.

Babu’s persistent efforts to address the issue began in 2022, involving appeals to multiple authorities, including the Prime Minister’s office in January 2024. His complaints culminated in the current legal proceedings against Patanjali, bringing the case to national attention.