The Supreme Court on Tuesday came down heavily on yoga guru Baba Ramdev today. The court said he was “not so innocent,” and Ramdev apologised. This happened during a hearing on the contempt case against Patanjali Ayurved in connection with misleading advertisements for the company’s medicinal products. The court also criticised him for his “irresponsible behaviour”.
A two-judge bench comprised Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah. Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna were present in person during the session. Addressing the court, Ramdev expressed a heartfelt “unconditional apology for the mistakes they made,” acknowledging the gravity of their actions.
However, the bench, emphasizing equality before the law, raised concerns over the company’s advertising practices, particularly regarding advertising about incurable diseases.
Ramdev replied that they had conducted many tests.
Justice Kohli criticized Ramdev’s past conduct as “irresponsible behaviour,” indicating a need for reconsideration regarding the acceptance of the apology. Justice Amanullah echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that the apology lacked sincerity.
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On April 10, the Supreme Court dismissed Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna’s “unconditional apology”, saying their actions were “wilful, deliberate and repeated violations” and criticised it for “taking contempt of court proceedings lightly”. The court had said that it was “not satisfied with anything said in the affidavit”.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has filed a petition against Patanjali Ayurveda. The top court told the Uttarakhand government authority that it would be “ripped apart” for providing a licence for Patanjali products. It asked the state’s licensing authority, “Do you have the guts to do what you are doing? You are acting as a post office.”
The Supreme Court has granted a one-week extension to yoga guru Ramdev, his associate Balkrishna, and Patanjali Ayurved to issue a public apology regarding the case involving misleading advertisements. However, the Court clarified that this extension does not absolve them of responsibility. The bench sternly reminded Balkrishna about the importance of respecting allopathy alongside any commendable work they are undertaking.
In his interaction with the bench, Ramdev reiterated his lack of intention to disrespect the court in any manner and expressed readiness to issue a public apology. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Ramdev and Balkrishna, conveyed their willingness to comply with the court’s directives. The Supreme Court fixed the next date of hearing for April 23
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