The Supreme Court has taken a firm stance against yoga guru Ramdev and Patanjali Ayurved’s Managing Director Acharya Balkrishna in a contempt case over misleading medical advertisements. Rejecting their apologies for airing such ads, the court deemed their actions as deliberate violations of court orders.
On Wednesday, the bench of Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah dismissed the latest affidavit of apology filed by Patanjali and its MD, citing it as merely a paper apology. The court expressed dissatisfaction with the apologies, stating that they were made only because the contemnors had been caught in the wrong. The bench emphasized the seriousness of violating court orders, highlighting the importance of upholding commitments made to the court.
Moreover, the court criticized the Uttarakhand state licensing authority for its inaction against Patanjali despite complaints regarding misleading advertisements. It ordered all district ayurvedic and unani officials since 2018 to explain their lack of action, signaling a broader scrutiny of the regulatory framework.
The contempt case stemmed from a petition by the Indian Medical Association against Patanjali’s advertisements making claims about curing diseases, despite an earlier undertaking by the company to refrain from such practices. The court noted that Patanjali’s misleading ads not only violate legal provisions but also pose risks to public health.
Furthermore, the court reprimanded the state licensing authority for its passive approach, accusing it of neglecting its duty to safeguard public health. It demanded explanations from officials and warned of consequences for their inaction.
The Supreme Court’s firm stance reflects its commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting public interest. The decision sends a strong message to both companies and regulatory authorities about the importance of compliance with court orders and regulatory standards in the interest of public welfare.
The matter is scheduled for further consideration on April 16, indicating that the court intends to address the issue comprehensively and ensure accountability for all parties involved.
