Patanjali Misleading Ads Case: Ramdev and Aide’s Apologies Rejected, Big Supreme Court Date Today

The court has come down heavily on the Patanjali founders during the previous hearing last week and also pulled up the Uttarakhand government for not taking action against the Haridwar-based company. The court expressed respect for what they have done for yoga but criticized their attitude and questioned why they disregarded other systems of medicine to emphasize the benefits of Ayurveda. Ramdev expressed regret and stated it was never his intention to bring down the prestige of the Supreme Court. The court emphasized that the law is the same for everybody and that they have violated directives multiple times.

The court said it will consider the matter in light of all the earlier developments and scheduled the next hearing for April 23. The court had rejected two sets of apologies by Ramdev and Balkrishna, noting that the letters were sent to the media first. Justice Hima Kohli criticized their belief in publicity, and Justice A Amanullah questioned the sincerity of their apology. The matter involves Patanjali’s launch of a drug, Coronil, in 2021, and controversial remarks made by Ramdev regarding modern medicine.

The Indian Medical Association raised objections and sought an apology and the withdrawal of statements. The Supreme Court issued warnings and threatened heavy fines against Patanjali for claims regarding its products’ curative properties. The court expressed concern over the continuous dissemination of misinformation and took strong exception to the government’s inaction. In a hearing on April 2, the court denounced Ramdev and Balkrishna for their “absolute defiance” and rejected their apology, asking them to file proper affidavits within a week.

This set of apologies was then rejected on April 10 after the court noted that they were sent to the media first.