New Delhi: Continuing its crackdown on misleading advertisements, Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has imposed Rs 10 lakh fine on a company selling an ayurvedic product claiming it as “magic oil” which when applied makes one “fit even without any surgery or physiotherapy.”
The CCPA headed by Union consumer affairs secretary Nidhi Khare has ordered discontinuation of the misleading advertisement related to the product “Dhuandhar Oil” manufactured by Indiyaa Distribution Network LLP. Officials said that during the process of investigation and hearing, the company could not substantiate any of the claims.
“The decision to impose fine and immediate discontinuation of advertisement was taken to protect and promote the rights of consumers as a class and ensure that no false or misleading advertisement is made for any goods or services, which contravenes the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act,” said an official.
The advertisement of the product was being telecast on the Arogya Rahesya Programme and on company’s website related to the product wherein they made several claims, which included describing the product as the “world’s 1st hotstream joint pain relieving oil” and “mere application of the oil gives patients quick relief from joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation,” and that the oil ensures fitness without surgery or physiotherapy.
It also claimed that the product is manufactured as per government rules and regulations and that regular application provides permanent relief from pain. The company also claimed that it has no side effects and no parallel product worldwide. “The advertisement mentioned a money-back guarantee and a person purported to be a doctor, wearing a white coat, also recommended the use of this oil to his patients for pain relief,” said the official.
Before passing the order, CCPA sent the matter to director general of investigation which observed that in the absence of any supporting documents, research papers or scientific studies, the claim of the company appeared to be grossly exaggerated and misleading. “The company in its reply to CCPA submitted that players also use this product to keep themselves fit. However, during the investigation the company did not submit any evidence for its claims,” a source said.
