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In a recent development, Yoga guru Baba Ramdev and Patanjali Ayurved’s managing director Acharya Balkrishna have offered a “public apology” in the case of allegedly misleading advertisements. This move came during a hearing where they were granted a week’s time by the Supreme Court to rectify the situation.
Represented by senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, Ramdev and Balkrishna expressed their readiness to issue a public apology to demonstrate contrition for the misleading advertisements. The next hearing is scheduled for April 23, and the court has directed both individuals to be present.
During the hearing, the bench, consisting of Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah, personally engaged with the founders of Patanjali, who were present in court. The bench emphasized the importance of the duo feeling a connection with the court.
Last week, during a previous hearing, the Supreme Court had strongly criticized Ramdev and Balkrishna and rejected their affidavits offering “unconditional apologies” for the “misleading” advertisements. This came in response to contempt of court notices issued by the court after a lawsuit by the Indian Medical Association (IMA).
The court also rebuked the State Licensing Authority for its lack of action in the matter, warning that it would not take the issue lightly. In a strong reprimand, the bench stated, “We will rip you apart. Do you have the guts to do what you are doing? You are acting as a post office.”
Furthermore, the top court criticized the Uttarakhand government for failing to take action against Patanjali Ayurved for violating the law.
This legal action began on March 19 when the court summoned Ramdev and Balkrishna due to the company’s failure to respond to notices regarding the advertisements of its products and their medicinal efficacy. Ramdev was issued a show cause notice, as the advertisements by Patanjali contradicted the undertaking given to the court on November 21, 2023, suggesting endorsement by him.
