Supreme Court Refuses to Accept Patanjali Ayurved's Apology in Contempt Case, Warns Baba Ramdev of Perjury Proceedings

The Supreme Court delivered a stern rebuke to Patanjali Ayurved Ltd, its Managing Director Acharya Balkrishna, and co-founder Baba Ramdev in a contempt case concerning misleading medical advertisements. The Court, comprising Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah, took issue with Patanjali's breach of an undertaking given to the Court regarding the publication of deceptive medical ads attacking allopathy and claiming to cure certain diseases.

Despite personal appearances by Balkrishna and Ramdev as directed on March 19, the Court was dissatisfied with the lack of proper affidavits and expressed disbelief at Ramdev's claim of ignorance about the Court's orders, citing a post-order press conference within 24 hours. The Court found Patanjali's apology insincere and inadequate, refusing to accept it and warning of perjury proceedings.

Moreover, the Court questioned Patanjali's disregard for the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act 1954, highlighting the company's dismissive stance on the Act's relevance despite its legal obligation to comply. The Court firmly rejected Patanjali's arguments about the Act's antiquity and scientific advancements, emphasizing the seriousness of violating legal obligations and undertakings given to the Court.

Notably, this case stems from the Indian Medical Association's petition against Patanjali's disparaging advertisements targeting allopathic medicine. The Court had previously reprimanded Patanjali for similar infractions and warned of imposing substantial penalties for false claims in advertisements.

In conclusion, the Supreme Court's refusal to accept Patanjali's apology underscores its commitment to upholding legal integrity and ensuring compliance with court orders, signaling a strict stance against misleading advertisements in the healthcare sector.