The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) in India is set to introduce new guidelines for IAS coaching institutes, prohibiting them from using the pictures and credentials of successful candidates in their advertisements without their consent. This move aims to prevent misleading advertisements and empower aspiring civil servants with greater control over their achievements.
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has penalized Shankar IAS Academy ₹5 lakh for making false claims about its success rate and course details in its advertisements for the 2022 civil service exam. The academy’s advertisements claimed high success rates and highlighted the achievements of students, but the CCPA investigation found that many of these students had only enrolled in free programs or short-term courses. The CCPA is also working on guidelines for IAS coaching institutes to ensure transparency in their advertising and protect students from misleading claims.
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has penalized Sriram’s IAS, a prominent coaching institute, for misleading advertisements regarding their UPSC Civil Services Exam results. The institute was found to have exaggerated their success rate by concealing information about the courses taken by successful candidates, leading to consumer deception.
The Supreme Court of India has ruled that celebrities, social media influencers, and others who endorse products hold equal responsibility for misleading advertisements. This ruling came during a hearing of a case filed by the Indian Medical Association against Patanjali Ayurved for allegedly making false claims in its advertisements.
In a stern reprimand, the Supreme Court of India has criticized the Uttarakhand State Licensing Authority for its inaction in the ‘misleading advertisements’ case involving Patanjali products. The apex court expressed dissatisfaction with the authority’s explanation and questioned whether it had taken appropriate legal action only after the court’s intervention. The court has directed the authority to submit original newspaper pages containing the public apology issued by Patanjali and has adjourned the matter for further hearing on May 14.
Yoga guru Ramdev and Patanjali Ayurved Limited’s Balkrishna have complied with the Supreme Court’s order to publish a larger apology in newspapers over their misleading advertisements. The apology, titled “Unconditional Public Apology,” covers almost one-fourth of newspapers. Patanjali had previously issued a smaller apology, but the court had pointed out its inadequacy. The apology covers non-compliance with court orders, holding meetings/press conferences in violation of court orders, and publishing misleading advertisements. Patanjali has committed to abide by the Supreme Court’s directions and uphold the majesty of the court.
Patanjali Ayurved, in response to the Supreme Court’s questioning of the size of its previous public apology, has issued another more prominent apology in newspapers, signed by Yoga guru Ramdev and Patanjali’s managing director Acharya Balkrishna. The apology expresses remorse for non-compliance with the court’s directions and promises to abide by them in the future.
Yoga guru Ramdev has issued a fresh apology in connection with the ongoing misleading advertisements case against him. This apology comes after the Supreme Court criticized Ramdev for his previous apology, calling it ‘not sincere.’ The Supreme Court had also directed the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to initiate appropriate legal action against Ramdev for making false and misleading claims in his advertisements.
The Supreme Court of India has expressed concern over the surge in misleading advertisements and unethical practices within the healthcare industry. The court urged the central and state authorities to take prompt action to protect the public from deceptive marketing strategies. The court also questioned the Indian Medical Association for alleged unethical practices among its members, such as prescribing expensive medicines for financial gain.
Patanjali Ayurved, along with its co-founders, has apologized in 67 newspapers for publishing “misleading” advertisements. The Supreme Court, which had previously expressed concerns, sought details about the size and cost of the apology. The court has directed Patanjali to submit copies of the advertisements for further review. The case has been adjourned for further proceedings on April 30.
