The Drugs & Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954

This 2022 edition of The Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954 (Act 21 of 1954) reproduces the Act verbatim and binds in the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Rules, 1955. The text reflects the territorial extension under the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. Short comments highlight 2022 influencer-disclosure guidelines, ASCI co-regulation and digital-advertising crack-downs.

Core statutory coverage

• Absolute prohibitions — 54 listed diseases & conditions; ban on sex-selection, miscarriage & height-increase claims.

• Scope of “advertisement” — print, broadcast, OTT, social media, surrogate branding, algorithmic targeting.

• Seizure & prosecution — State Drug Controller search powers; compounding and trial under CrPC.

• Penalties — up to 2-year imprisonment and ₹ 10 lakh fine; enhanced sanctions for repeat offences.

This edition is particularly suited for

• Ad-agencies, influencers and digital-marketing teams crafting healthcare promotions.

• Pharma, AYUSH & nutraceutical compliance officers.

• ASCI reviewers, CCPA investigators and consumer-protection NGOs.

• AIBE candidates and law students studying advertising & health-regulation law.