SRINAGAR: The Centre has empowered the Lieutenant Governors and Administrators of several Union Territories, including Jammu and Kashmir, to take action under the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954, to curb misleading advertisements related to certain drugs.
As per a recent notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs and published in the official gazette, the powers have been delegated to the LGs or Administrators of Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, and Puducherry.
Under the order, the LGs and Administrators will exercise the functions of the State Government under the Act, subject to the control of the President, enabling them to authorise gazetted officers to conduct searches, inspect premises, examine records, and seize material linked to objectionable or misleading advertisements.
The Drugs and Magic Remedies Act prohibits advertisements that make exaggerated or false claims regarding the diagnosis, cure, prevention, or treatment of specified diseases, including diabetes, obesity, and cancer. The restrictions apply to both print and electronic media and cover drugs and medicinal substances, including AYUSH products.
The law bars the promotion of drugs as cures for 54 listed diseases and disorders, which fall under the prohibited schedule of the Act. Any publication or participation in such advertisements is treated as a violation and attracts legal action.
With the latest delegation of powers, LGs and Administrators in the notified Union Territories will now be able to directly authorise enforcement actions against violators. (KNC)
