Supreme Court Closes Misleading Medical Ads Case, AYUSH Ads Now Free from State Pre-Approval

The Supreme Court has closed the Indian Medical Association’s plea against misleading traditional medicine ads, ending proceedings against Patanjali and vacating its 2024 stay on deleting Rule 170 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules.

The provision had mandated prior State approval for ads of Ayurvedic, Siddha, or Unani medicines. The bench noted that the IMA had already secured its interim reliefs and that a deleted rule cannot be revived.

The Centre maintained that existing laws address false claims, while critics flagged public health risks. With the stay lifted, AYUSH ads can now run without State approval, though fresh challenges may be moved in High Courts.

[Indian Medical Association v UOI]