Patanjali Apologizes Before Ramdev’s Important Court Date for Misleading Ads

Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Patanjali founders Ramdev and Balkrishna, informed the court that they have submitted a new set of apologies. The court questioned the timing of the apologies and their publication in newspapers, demanding to know if they were featured prominently.

The court also received an application seeking a hefty fine against the Indian Medical Association (IMA) for its case against Patanjali. The court expressed suspicion that it was a proxy plea but adjourned the matter for a week after Ramdev pledged to publish a larger apology in newspapers.

Prior to the Supreme Court hearing, Patanjali Ayurved issued a public apology in national dailies, expressing respect for the court and promising not to repeat their mistakes. This action followed the Supreme Court’s criticism of Ramdev and Balkrishna for previously rejected apologies, which the court deemed insincere.

The dispute dates back to when Patanjali launched Coronil in 2021, claiming it as an evidence-based medicine for COVID-19. The Indian Medical Association refuted these claims, leading to a legal battle.

The face-off intensified after Ramdev made derogatory remarks about allopathy, prompting legal action from the medical body. The court warned Patanjali against making false claims and spreading misinformation in November 2021.

Despite assurances from Patanjali’s counsel, the issue persisted, leading to the court’s rebuke in April 2022 for their “absolute defiance” in not submitting proper affidavits. The court’s rejection of previous apologies stemmed from the fact that they were first sent to the media and not directly to the court.

This disregard for the court’s orders prompted warnings of heavy fines and contempt proceedings. Despite assurance from Patanjali’s counsel that they would not violate laws related to advertisement and branding, the actions of the company continued to be scrutinized by the court.

The text highlights a series of confrontations between Patanjali and the Indian Medical Association, along with the ensuing legal battles and demands for genuine apologies from Patanjali’s founders.