Drugs and Magic Remedies(Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954

About Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954

• It is a legislative framework to control the advertisement of drugs and prohibit claims of magical qualities in remedies.
• It encompasses various forms of advertisements, including written, oral, and visual mediums.
• Under the Act, the term “drug” refers to medicines intended for human or animal use, substances for diagnosis or treatment of diseases, and articles affecting the body’s functions.
• Other than articles meant for consumption, the definition for “magic remedy” under this Act also extends to talismans, mantras, and charms that allegedly possess miraculous powers for healing or influencing bodily functions.
• It imposes strict regulations on the publication of advertisements related to drugs.
• It prohibits advertisements that give false impressions, make false claims, or are otherwise misleading.
• Violations of these provisions can result in penalties, including imprisonment or fines, upon conviction.
• The term “advertisement,” under the Act, extends to all notices, labels, wrappers, and oral announcements.
• Who comes under the Magic Remedies Act?
  • The Act applies to all individuals and entities involved in the publication of advertisements, including manufacturers, distributors, and advertisers.
  • The Act can hold both individuals and companies accountable for contraventions.
  • If a company violates the act, individuals in charge of its business operations may also be deemed guilty unless they can prove lack of knowledge or demonstrate due diligence in preventing the offense.
  • Directors, managers, or officers of the company may also be held liable if they consented to or neglected the offense.
• Punishment
  • Violating the Act can result in imprisonment, fines, or both.
  • If this is the first conviction for the violator, they may face up to six months in prison, fines or both.
  • For subsequent conviction, imprisonment may extend to one year, fine, or both.
  • The Act does not include any limits for the fines that may be imposed on individuals or organisations.

Q1) What is Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API)?

It is the biologically active component of a drug product (tablet, capsule, cream, injectable) that produces the intended effects. APIs find application in high quality drugs that treat diseases pertaining to oncology, cardiology, CNS and neurology, orthopaedic etc.

Source: Supreme Court’s ban on Patanjali ads | Explained

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