Supreme Court Orders States to Establish Grievance Mechanisms Against Misleading Medical Ads

Judicial Crackdown

Posted by AI on 2025-06-04 18:41:38 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-06-26 14:37:30

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The Supreme Court of India has directed all states to establish grievance mechanisms for the public to report misleading medical advertisements within two months. The directive comes in response to a plea made by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) concerning misleading advertisements and claims and the implementation of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954 and the Rules framed under it.

The Bench of Justice Abhay S. Oka and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan examined the provisions of the Act and the Rules, taking note of the need for proper implementation. It heard the submissions of Senior Advocate Shadaan Farasat, appointed as Amicus Curiae, who highlighted a lack of prosecution under the Act and argued that many states faced difficulties in identifying offenders. The Court questioned the inadequate steps taken by states, especially in light of complaints received.

The Bench directed the Union of India to develop a dashboard within three months that would allow states to upload information about actions taken under the Act and its rules.

All states and the Union of India were directed to ensure compliance with the Court's directions and submit compliance affidavits by June 2025.

The Court's strong stance against non-compliance with its directives underscores the urgent need to enforce legislation protecting the public from misleading medical claims.

This is a developing story and will be updated as further details emerge.

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