The Supreme Court of India reserved its verdict in the contempt of court case against Patanjali Ayurved and its owners, Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna, over misleading advertisements. The court has dispensed with their personal appearance pending the submission of an affidavit detailing the steps taken by Patanjali to remove the misleading ads and recall suspended products
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NEW DELHI: Today (14th May): The Supreme Court of India reserved its verdict in a contempt of court case filed against Patanjali Ayurved, its owners Baba Ramdev, and Acharya Balkrishna. The case revolves around the company’s misleading advertisements, which have drawn criticism from the Indian Medical Association (IMA) for disparaging modern medicine.
READ ALSO: Patanjali Row | SC Orders Removal of Patanjali Ads, Suspends Sales of Restricted Products
A Bench comprising Justice Hima Kohli and Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah presided over the contempt of court case filed by the Indian Medical Association against Patanjali Ayurved.
Senior Advocate Balbir Singh, representing Ramdev and Balkrishna, informed the court that Patanjali has written to all platforms that were still running their misleading ads, and the sale of banned products has ceased.
Singh also requested that his clients be excused from appearing personally before the Court.
In response, the Bench stated,
“Their presence is not necessary…we will reserve orders. Submit your affidavit; it will be significant.”
The court has dispensed with the personal appearance of Ramdev and Balkrishna, pending the submission of an affidavit detailing the steps taken to remove the misleading ads and recall suspended Patanjali products.
After reserving orders in the contempt matter, the Court remarked,
“The public is well aware; when they have choices, they make informed decisions…Baba Ramdev holds considerable influence; it should be used responsibly.”
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta then informed the Court about Ramdev’s contributions to yoga.
“The efforts for yoga are commendable, but the issue with Patanjali products is separate,” responded Justice Kohil.
READ ALSO: BREAKING | Patanjali Issues Apology Ahead of Ramdev’s Court Appearance Today
Singh also requested that his clients be excused from appearing in person, to which the Bench responded by dispensing with their presence and reserving orders. The court emphasized the importance of filing an affidavit outlining the corrective measures taken by Patanjali, stating that it would make a difference.
While the case initially revolved around Patanjali’s misleading advertisements and the authorities’ failure to take action, the court’s attention was drawn to larger issues. These included misleading advertisements by other consumer goods suppliers and unethical practices in modern medicine.
READ ALSO: Patanjali ads: Ramdev, Balkrishna tender unconditional apology before SC
The court warned that social media influencers and celebrities endorsing products or services in misleading advertisements would be held equally responsible and liable. It expressed concern over the availability of prohibited Patanjali product ads on certain online platforms and emphasized that the company should not be allowed to sell products for which licenses were suspended.
The court also reprimanded the Uttarakhand Government for its inaction in dealing with errant licensing officers.
Read Previous Reports on Patanjali Fake Ads Case
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