Today(2nd April): The Supreme Court rebuked Patanjali Ayurved for airing misleading advertisements promoting its ayurvedic products at the expense of modern medicine. In response to a casual apology affidavit submitted by Patanjali, the bench of Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah expressed disappointment, highlighting a serious breach of the undertaking given to the Court.
NEW DELHI: Today (2nd April): The Supreme Court criticized Patanjali Ayurveda for its lackadaisical approach to stopping the misleading advertisements promoting its ayurvedic products at the expense of modern medicine.
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A bench comprising Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah expressed disappointment over Patanjali’s apology affidavit, particularly the assertion that its media wing was unaware of the Court’s directive to cease broadcasting such ads.
Justice Kohli expressed strong disapproval, stating,
“If your actions are indefensible, a mere apology won’t suffice. This constitutes a serious breach of the solemn commitment made to this Court. We find it difficult to believe that the media department was unaware of proceedings in this Court; it appears to be merely lip service. Your violation of the solemn commitment cannot be overlooked. We are not inclined to accept this perfunctory apology. What justification is there for accepting your apology?”
Furthermore, the bench expressed possible perjury charges against Patanjali, noting discrepancies in the documents submitted.
Justice Kohli emphasized, “Submitting false documents to the Court is a grave offense.”
READ ALSO: BREAKING | Patanjali-Acharya Balkrishna Issue Apology to Supreme Court for Misleading Ads
Justice Amanullah dismissed the statement, commenting,
“This is all nonsense! Your statement, ‘if the court feels, etc.’… We cannot gauge your intentions! Contempt cases must be pursued to their conclusion. There cannot be excessive leniency!”
In the course of the hearing, the bench observed that Patanjali seemed to have committed perjury (lying to the court).
“You claimed that documents were attached, but it appears these documents were fabricated afterward. This constitutes a clear instance of perjury! We are not closing the door on this matter, but it is important to note that we have taken note of these discrepancies,”
remarked Justice Kohli.
The Court also directed Patanjali’s founder, Baba Ramdev, to hold a press conference shortly after being warned by the Court about misleading ads.
Senior advocate Balbir Singh, representing Baba Ramdev, was reminded of the significance of respecting legal processes, with the Court reiterating that this was the final opportunity given.
The Court dismissed the notion that its warnings would suffice as a lesson for Ramdev.
“We are not in the business of educating them. Given their stature, they cannot be equated with ordinary citizens. They purport to have conducted extensive research. Our seriousness stems from this fact. Typically, we do not pursue contempt cases rigorously; however, exceptions exist, and you may be one of them,” stated the Court.
Meanwhile, senior advocate Vipin Sanghi, representing Patanjali, argued that the organization’s activities served more than just commercial interests. However, the Court firmly labeled Patanjali as a commercial entity, refuting claims of serving public interests.
READ ALSO: BREAKING | Baba Ramdev Reaches Supreme Court After Summons In Misleading Ads Case
Speaking to senior advocate Balbir Singh, who appeared on behalf of Baba Ramdev, the Court emphasized,
“Our objective is to ensure adherence to the rule of law and uphold trust in the Constitution. This opportunity is provided based on the trust we have in you, and it marks the final chance given.”
Justice Kohli responded,
“Patanjali is a commercial entity.”
Justice Amanullah also said,
“Don’t claim to serve the public interest or good.”
Senior advocate PS Patwalia, representing the Indian Medical Association (IMA), argued,
“Patanjali has attempted to deflect blame onto its media department, showcasing a boy and claiming to have cured him.”
Senior advocate PS Patwalia, representing the Indian Medical Association (IMA), highlighted Patanjali’s attempt to shift blame onto its media department and urged the Court to hold the organization accountable for its misleading advertising practices.
The Court directed both Ramdev and Patanjali’s Managing Director, Acharya Balkrishna, to appear personally at the next hearing scheduled for April 10. They are required to file an improved affidavit of apology within a week.
[ Case Title: Indian Medical Association & Anr v. Union of India and Ors].
READ PREVIOUS REPORTS ON PATANJALI ADS
