Supreme Court Urges Mechanism for Complaints Against Misleading Advertisements

The Supreme Court emphasized the need for a system to allow citizens to report misleading advertisements, focusing on the Drug and Magic Remedies Act, 1954. It considered Rule 170 compliance of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, which limits promotions of certain traditional drugs.

The Supreme Court highlighted the necessity of establishing an avenue for citizens to file grievances regarding misleading advertisements. On Monday, Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan emphasized the critical role of the Drug and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954.

The bench stressed compliance with the Act's provisions, considering establishing a reporting mechanism for complaints. Additionally, it reviewed Rule 170 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 compliance, which pertains to states such as Jharkhand, Karnataka, and Kerala.

The apex court had previously stayed a notification omitting Rule 170, which bars misleading advertisements of traditional medicines. Karnataka faced accusations of inaction, with the court urging swift identification of advertisers and a compliance report within a month.