By Hindustan Times
A complaint have been filed by FDA (Food and Drug Administration) against Bollywood actor Govinda under various sections of the medicine and Magic Remedies Act over endorsing Sandhi Sudha plus, reports Mid Day.
The FDA had demanded action against the drug manufacturers, scriptwriters and actors who promote the products, in addition to television channels on which they're aired.
"Promoting such drugs is an entire violation of the law. These advertisements are completely misleading and firms finally end up extracting huge amounts from unsuspecting individuals who see the ads. Hence, we had written to Bollywood stars telling them to not violate the law. We've got recently received a reply from Govinda, who claimed his innocence as he was ignorant of the law," a source from FDA told the tabloid.
D R Gahane, assistant commissioner (drugs), told the tabloid: "WE'VE received a letter from Govinda stating he was ignorant of the law and he has assured us that he's going to speak to the manufacturer to withdraw the ad."
The violation of the act could lead to six months imprisonment, an outstanding or both, for the primary conviction. Subsequent convictions would result in imprisonment for a year or fine or both.
When contacted by Mid Day, Govinda said: "YOU DO NOT HAVE to be a scientist to do a toothpaste ad. As an actor, I did my job."
What the Act says:
It states that unless prescribed by a registered medical practitioner, no one or company shall participate in publication of an advertisement regarding any drug that may be used for:
1) Procurement of miscarriage in women or prevention of conception.
2) Maintenance or improvement of the capacity for sexual pleasures
3) Correction of menstrual disorder in women
4) Diagnosis, mitigation, cure or prevention of any disease laid out in the act.
