Today(on 16th April), Supreme Court interacts with Patanjali promoters to assess apology sincerity over misleading ads. Case adjourned till April 23 for further demonstration of commitment to rectify actions.
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NEW DELHI: Today(on 16th April), The Supreme Court of India took a proactive step by personally interacting with the promoters of Patanjali Ayurved, Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna, to assess the sincerity of their apology concerning misleading advertisements that cast a negative light on modern medicine.
Following allegations that Patanjali Ayurved had circulated false claims about its products, thereby undermining conventional medical practices and the COVID-19 vaccination campaign.
“The individuals accused of contempt will independently take certain measures on their own accord. Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi has requested one week to return with these actions. Additionally, at the request of Respondents 5-6, the Court directly engaged with the accused individuals. The case is scheduled for April 23, with both accused individuals required to be present.”
-highlighted the Court’s directive.
Represented by Senior Advocates Vipin Sanghi and Balbir Singh, the case revolves around a plea filed by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) against what they termed a smear campaign by Patanjali and its founders against modern medicine and the nation’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts.
Previous sessions had seen the Court express dissatisfaction with the casual nature of the apologies offered by Ramdev and Balkrishna, prompting a more direct form of accountability.
Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, on behalf of the Patanjali promoters, extended an “unconditional apology,” emphasizing their full remorse.
“We completely apologize,”
– Rohatgi conveyed, reflecting their readiness to address the court’s concerns.
Justice Hima Kohli directly addressed Ramdev and Balkrishna, emphasizing the seriousness of their actions.
“We have reviewed your statements. What is your response?”
– Justice Kohli asked.
Ramdev replied-
“Respected Judge, we have unconditionally apologized for whatever transpired.”
The Court emphasized that advertising medicinal products as specific cures for diseases without evidence is prohibited.
“Bimario k liye dawaio ka publicity permitted nahi. Na pharmacy na doctor kar sakti hain. Aaj tak iss vali bimario k liye kisine me bhi advertise nahi ki. Bilkul gair zimmedari vali harkit. Desh k har nagrik k liye niyam hain. Aapne hi yoga popularize karke.(Promoting medicines for illnesses is not permitted. Neither pharmacies nor doctors can do so. No one has advertised for this particular illness before. It’s a completely irresponsible act. There are rules for every citizen of the country. You have popularized yoga yourself),”
– the Court admonished, highlighting the irresponsible nature of such claims.
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During the discussions, Balkrishna assured the Court that their actions were not intentional, attributing the oversight to ignorance.
“We engage in whatever endeavors from behind, but this occurred due to ignorance. We sincerely apologize for this mistake,”
-Balkrishna stated.
Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah cautioned against the derogation of allopathy in product promotion.
“Yeh bohot galat hai ki aapne aalopathy ke upar kataksh kiya hai (It is highly objectionable that you disparaged allopathy.”)
– the judge remarked, emphasizing the need for respect among diverse medical practices.
The next hearing scheduled for April 23.
Case Title:
Indian Medical Association & Anr v. Union of India and Ors.
