Centre Authorises LGs of Five Union Territories to Act Under Drugs and Magic Remedies Act
Jammu & Kashmir, Puducherry, Chandigarh, Lakshadweep, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu LGs empowered to enforce the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act
New Delhi, Jan 19: The Centre has empowered Lieutenant Governors and administrators of five Union Territories to take action under the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954, against misleading or exaggerated advertisements claiming magical cures for diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and obesity.
According to a gazette notification issued by the Home Ministry, the LGs or administrators of Jammu and Kashmir, Puducherry, Chandigarh, Lakshadweep, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu can now authorise officers to enter premises, examine records, and seize materials related to objectionable drug advertisements.
“…the President hereby directs that the administrator (whether known as LG or administrator) of the Union Territories…shall exercise the powers and discharge functions of the state government under the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954…within their respective Union territories,” the notification stated.
The law prohibits the promotion of drugs as a cure for 54 specified diseases and disorders. It applies to print and electronic media, including advertisements of Ayurvedic, Unani, and other AYUSH products. Officers authorised by the LGs or administrators can now initiate action against violations, ensuring stricter enforcement of the Act in these territories.
The move strengthens regulatory oversight and aims to protect citizens from misleading claims that could pose serious health risks.
