The Supreme Court has directed Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna, founders of Patanjali Ayurved, to issue a public apology within a week for misleading health cure advertisements by the company. This comes after a lawsuit filed by the Indian Medical Association, urging action against Patanjali for promoting the Ayush treatment system at the expense of evidence-based medicine.
During the hearing, Ramdev expressed remorse, acknowledging that the advertisements were impulsive and pledging not to repeat such actions in the future. Balkrishna also stated that the events were unintentional.
The court emphasized Patanjali's right to promote its products but criticized its approach, cautioning against ridiculing other medical practices.
The legal saga began in August 2022 when the Indian Medical Association filed a writ petition highlighting concerns about misinformation and violation of laws such as the Drugs & Other Magic Remedies Act, 1954. Despite warnings and contempt notices, Patanjali continued with misleading ads, leading to a contempt notice and restrictions on promoting products with unverified claims.
Ramdev and Balkrishna were directed to appear personally before the court, with the court expressing dissatisfaction with their initial apology affidavit. The court also criticized authorities for not taking sufficient action on the matter.
The next hearing is scheduled for 23 April, with Ramdev and Balkrishna ordered to appear in court to address the ongoing legal proceedings.