Baba Ramdev and Patanjali MD offer unconditional apology to SC for misleading ads

In a notable development, revered yoga guru Baba Ramdev and the Managing Director of Patanjali Ayurved, Acharya Balkrishna, have extended an unequivocal apology to the Supreme Court. This pivotal move comes amidst a contempt case initiated against them for disseminating deceptive medical advertisements, in clear violation of a court undertaking.

The affidavit containing the apology, filed this Saturday, is a sincere effort to address the Court's concerns, which were raised following a petition by the Indian Medical Association against Patanjali's advertisements disparaging allopathy and making unverified claims regarding the treatment of certain ailments. Despite assurances given to the Court in November, Patanjali persisted with the misleading advertisements, prompting the Court to issue a contempt notice on February 27. Consequently, Patanjali was restrained from further advertising or branding products intended to treat diseases specified in the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act 1954.

In March, when Patanjali failed to respond to the contempt notice, the personal appearance of MD Balkrishna and Baba Ramdev was requested. However, the Court found MD Balkrishna's affidavit lacking and criticized it as "perfunctory" and "mere lip service." Nevertheless, in a statement submitted to the Court, Baba Ramdev expressed regret for the advertisements and assured the Court that such lapses would not occur in the future, echoing the sentiments recorded in the Court's order dated November 21, 2023.
Furthermore, the state of Uttarakhand, where Patanjali Ayurved is headquartered, has submitted a detailed affidavit promising strict action against the company in accordance with the law, after being made a party in the case by the Supreme Court. The Ministry of Ayush has also intervened, urging the withdrawal of advertisements for certain Patanjali products alleged to contravene the Drugs & Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954.

The affidavit also underscores the government's policy advocating an integrative healthcare system, allowing individuals to choose between Ayush systems and allopathic medicine. Previously, the Supreme Court had cautioned Patanjali Ayurved against publishing misleading advertisements and threatened a fine of Rs 1 crore for non-compliance, following a petition by the Indian Medical Association.
With all eyes on Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna's impending appearance before the Supreme Court, there are high hopes for a resolution to the contentious issue of misleading advertisements.