New Delhi, Jan 19: Lieutenant Governors or administrators of five Union Territories have been empowered to authorize officers to conduct searches and seize records linked to misleading advertisements claiming magical properties or cures for diseases such as cancer and diabetes.
According to a recent gazette notification issued by the Union Home Ministry, the Centre has delegated these powers to the LGs or administrators of Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, and Puducherry.
The order stated that the President has directed the administrators of these Union Territories to exercise the powers and discharge the functions of the state government under the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954, subject to the President’s control and until further orders.
The Act and its associated rules provide for prohibiting misleading advertisements and exaggerated claims related to drugs and medicinal substances, including Ayush medicines, published in print and electronic media. Under the law, gazetted officers authorized by state governments can enter and search premises, examine or seize records connected with objectionable advertisements, and initiate action against defaulters.
With the latest delegation, the LGs or administrators in the five UTs will now have the authority to empower officers to carry out these enforcement actions.
The law bans advertisements of certain drugs for the treatment of 54 diseases and disorders, including diabetes, obesity and cancer, which are listed in the prohibited schedule. It also prohibits any person from participating in the publication of advertisements suggesting the use of drugs for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of specified diseases. (Agencies)
