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Supreme Court Grills Ramdev: ‘Apology Same Size As Ads?’

The Supreme Court questioned Patanjali Ayurved about the size and prominence of the apology they issued in newspapers compared to their usual product advertisements. Patanjali’s representatives stated they had submitted new apologies, but the court questioned why they weren’t done earlier.

Also Watch: Supreme Court Grills Ramdev, Aide Balkrishna, Asks: ‘Is The Apology The Same Size As Your Ads?’

Despite the company’s expenditure on the apologies, the court expressed disinterest. Additionally, the court mentioned receiving an application seeking a hefty fine against the Indian Medical Association (IMA) regarding their case against Patanjali, suspecting it might be a proxy plea. Patanjali’s representatives denied involvement in this matter.

In response to the misleading ads case against Patanjali Ayurved, the Supreme Court adjourned the matter for a week after Ramdev pledged to publish a larger newspaper apology.
Hours before a scheduled Supreme Court hearing, Patanjali Ayurved issued an apology in national newspapers, emphasizing their deep respect for the court and asserting their commitment to avoiding similar mistakes in the future.

This development followed the Supreme Court’s rebuke of Patanjali founders, Yoga guru Ramdev and his associate Balkrishna, regarding the company’s misleading claims regarding diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure. Previously, the court had dismissed apologies from Ramdev and Balkrishna, considering them insincere and mere lip service.

During the April 16 hearing, the court instructed the two to appear and demonstrate genuine intent to apologize.

In a statement published in a national Hindi daily, Patanjali expressed profound respect for the Supreme Court’s stature, stating, “We extend our sincere apologies for the errors made in our advertisements and press conferences, despite assurances from our legal representatives. We are committed to not repeating these mistakes.”

Rejecting earlier apologies from Ramdev and Balkrishna, the court criticized the timing of the apologies, noting they were sent to the media before reaching the court. Justice Hima Kohli remarked that this indicated a preference for publicity.

Justice A Amanullah, also on the bench, had warned, “Tendering apology is not enough. You should suffer the consequences for violating the court’s order.”

The case stemmed from Patanjali’s launch of Coronil during the pandemic, with claims of WHO certification. The Indian Medical Association disputed these claims, leading to a confrontation after Ramdev criticized allopathy.

On January 15 this year, the Supreme Court received an anonymous letter addressed to Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and sent copies to Justice Kohli and Justice Amanullah. The letter discussed how Patanjali was still putting out misleading advertisements.

The Indian Medical Association’s lawyer, Senior Advocate PS Patwalia, also showed the court newspaper ads after the November 21, 2023 warning and a transcript of a press conference by Ramdev and Balkrishna after the court’s hearing.

The court scheduled the next hearing for April 30.

 

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