SC Rejects Ramdev’s Second Apology in Contempt Case Over Misleading Ads
New Delhi: The Supreme Court stood firm on its stance, refusing to accept a fresh unconditional apology and pardon request from Patanjali Ayurveda co-founder Ramdev and managing director Acharya Balakrishnan in a contempt case related to misleading advertisements during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a recent development, the apex court dismissed the second apology offered by Ramdev and Balakrishnan, terming it as “mere lip service” and highlighting their attempts to evade appearing before the court. Justice Hima Kohli expressed dissatisfaction, asserting that the apologies seemed prompted only by being caught.
The court criticized the authorities for their lack of action against the objectionable advertisements. Justice Kohli expressed dismay over the State Licensing Authority’s inaction over a span of 4-5 years, accusing them of being complicit in the matter.
Moreover, the court condemned Ramdev and Balakrishnan for allegedly prioritizing publicity over court proceedings. It noted that the defendants had sent their affidavit to the media before submitting it to the court, indicating their preference for public attention.
The contempt case stems from a petition filed by the Indian Medical Association against Patanjali’s advertisements disparaging allopathy. The court had previously rejected the defendants’ initial apology, questioning the Union government’s inaction against the company’s misleading claims during a public health crisis.
Ramdev and Balakrishnan’s fresh affidavit, tendering unconditional apologies, failed to sway the court’s decision. The matter is slated for further hearing, with the court mandating their presence.
In a separate legal battle, the Delhi High Court had previously cautioned Baba Ramdev against misleading the public regarding allopathy and exaggerating the efficacy of Patanjali’s product Coronil as a COVID-19 cure.
Despite repeated attempts at appeasement, the Supreme Court remains steadfast in seeking accountability from Ramdev and Balakrishnan, underscoring the gravity of the contempt charges against them
