Apex Court Refutes Ramdev's Apology, Slams Patanjali For Misleading Health Cure Ads

The Supreme Court didn't mince words as it rebuked Baba Ramdev, the founder of Patanjali Ayurved and dismissed an apology affidavit submitted in response to a contempt notice. The notice was issued to the company regarding misleading advertisements for health cures. Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah criticised not only Ramdev but also Patanjali's managing director Acharya Balkrishna during the hearing.

The lawsuit, filed by the Indian Medical Association, raised concerns about Patanjali's advertisements promoting the Ayush treatment system while undermining modern medicine. The apex court emphasised the seriousness of the matter, stating that due to Patanjali's claims of extensive research, they couldn't be equated with ordinary citizens.

The court deferred the matter to 10 April, instructing both Ramdev and Balkrishna to be present at the next hearing. It also questioned the central government's inaction while Patanjali publicly dismissed the efficacy of modern medicine for Covid.

The Supreme Court had previously criticised Patanjali for circulating misleading claims and advertisements against modern medicine, warning of a Rs 1 crore fine if such promotional activities continued. Despite this warning, Patanjali persisted in distributing misleading health cure advertisements, leading to a contempt notice being issued against Ramdev and Balkrishna.

The Indian Medical Association had filed a writ petition urging action against advertisements disparaging modern medicine. The petition highlighted Patanjali's unverified claims violating existing laws and Ramdev's controversial statements about covid-19 vaccines and oxygen cylinders during the pandemic's second wave.

The court's stern stance underscores the importance of holding companies accountable for their advertising practices, especially when public health is at stake.