On Tuesday, Yoga guru Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna, the MD and Co-founder of Patanjali Ayurved Ltd, tendered an “unconditional and unqualified” apology to the Supreme Court. This apology for misleading advertisements about the efficacy of their products comes a day prior to the scheduled court hearing today, i.e., April 10.
Court’s response to the apology
The Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi representing Patanjali, said that the earlier affidavits have been withdrawn, and fresh affidavits have been filed, tendering unconditional and unqualified apologies for lapses on their part.
To this, the news just in the apex court has held reservations in accepting their apology and considered it to be wilful, deliberate, repeated violation of the court’s order.
“The proposed contemnors have filed a fresh affidavit on April 6, tendering unconditional and unqualified apology and seeking pardon for the breach of statements made by them…Having regard to the entire history, we have expressed our reservations about accepting the latest affidavit filed. We have also pointed out that even after show cause notices, the proposed contemnors attempted to wriggle out of physical appearance. This is most unacceptable.” reads the Supreme Court order.
The bench further added that the condemners are “taking the contempt of court proceedings lightly”.
The top court then condemned the Uttarakhand government for not taking action against Patanjali Ayurved for violation of law. It also ordered that the concerned licensing officers shall be suspended.
Why is the court vexed?
The court was upset about a press conference held by Ramdev on November 22, 2023, in Haridwar and an advertisement issued by the company on December 4, 2023, after it had assured the court on November 21, 2023, that it would not make any “casual statements claiming medicinal efficacy or against any system of medicine.”
Consequently, the court initiated a contempt case against Patanjali Ayurved over misleading medical ads. It also issued notices asking to show cause why contempt of court proceedings should not be initiated against them for allegedly flouting its directions.
What did Baba Ramdev say?
To the apology for the press conference held on 22.11.2023”, he further added, “I regret this “lapse” and assure that the same will not be repeated again in future” and promises to always uphold the majesty of law.
What did Acharaya Balkrishna say?
The MD of the accused company added to his apology that “no further offending advertisements were issued after 27.02.2024” or breach of the statement recorded in the November 21 order and said he undertook to “ensure that the said statement shall be complied with in letter and spirit and no such similar advertisements shall be issued”.
Background of the case
A bench comprising Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah is hearing the case. The instant petition was filed by the Indian Medical Association against Patanjali Ayurved Ltd., the plea is seeking to frame guidelines for prohibiting false and misleading advertisements claiming a cure for diseases and in relation to criticising allopathy and modern medicine.
The Supreme Court has adjourned the case for hearing on April 16.
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