Baba Ramdev issues ‘unconditional apology’ in Supreme Court over misleading ads
Baba Ramdev has offered an unconditional apology for violating the Supreme Court’s order regarding misleading advertisements of Patanjali’s medicinal products. Despite being present in court, the yoga guru faced the court’s reprimand as he and Patanjali Ayurved managing director Acharya Balkrishna. Were directed to appear in person in the Supreme Court for contempt proceedings related to the misleading advertisements case.
The representative for Patanjali expressed their apology to the court, stating, “We are tendering an unconditional apology. He (Baba Ramdev) is here personally present to apologize.”
However, the court dismissed this apology as “lip service” and emphasized that Patanjali “owes an apology to the whole nation” for their misleading claims. The court admonished Patanjali for disregarding its directives and remarked, “You have broken every barrier… Now you say that you are sorry.”
Additionally, the court criticized the Union government for its inaction, questioning why it remained passive. While Patanjali propagated misinformation about Covid remedies in allopathy.
Baba Ramdev issues ‘unconditional apology’ in Supreme Court over misleading ads
Granting a final opportunity to Baba Ramdev and Balkrishna, the court instructed them to submit fresh affidavits within a week. Moreover, the court cautioned them about potential perjury charges, highlighting that the documents provided with the affidavit by Patanjali were fabricated later on. Despite this, the court clarified that it was not closing the door on them but was duly noting the discrepancies.
Previously, in the last hearing, the Supreme Court had rebuked Patanjali for failing to respond to the court’s notices regarding the initiation of contempt proceedings for violating the undertaking given to the court. Expressing dissatisfaction over Patanjali’s persistent publication of false and misleading advertisements on medicinal cures. The court issued a notice to Baba Ramdev as well to show cause against the contempt proceedings.
The court had directed Patanjali to cease all advertisements of its products claiming to treat ailments specified in the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954.
Following the Supreme Court’s admonition, Patanjali Ayurved submitted an affidavit tendering an unconditional apology, asserting that its intention was solely to encourage citizens to lead healthier lives by using its products.
In November 2023, the Supreme Court had instructed Patanjali Ayurved to refrain from making misleading claims and advertisements against the modern system of medicine. Patanjali had assured the court of refraining from making any unsubstantiated statements.
