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New Delhi: Yoga guru Ramdev is set to make a personal appearance before the Supreme Court today, facing scrutiny over Patanjali Ayurved’s “misleading advertisements”. The apex court, in its previous hearing, had strongly rebuked Patanjali for non-compliance with its directives, summoning both Ramdev and the company’s Managing Director, Balkrishna, to appear before the court.
The court’s admonishment stemmed from Patanjali’s failure to adhere to directives issued on February 27, which mandated an immediate halt to all electronic and print advertisements containing misleading information about its medicines. The bench had also criticized the government for its inaction, urging swift intervention.
The legal battle, initiated in November last year upon a petition filed by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), highlights concerns over Patanjali’s allegedly “false” and “misleading” claims in advertisements regarding its medicines. The IMA contended that Patanjali’s commercials disparaged allopathic doctors and modern medicine, misleading the public with claims that practitioners were succumbing to their own treatments.
In response to the court’s summons, an unconditional apology was submitted, asserting Patanjali’s intent to promote a healthier lifestyle through its products. However, the Supreme Court remains steadfast in its scrutiny of the advertising practices, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency in the promotion of healthcare products.
