New Delhi: In response to a notice issued by the Supreme Court concerning the continued publication of misleading advertisements, Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna, the Managing Director of Patanjali Ayurved, have tendered an “unconditional and unqualified apology” before the apex court.
In affidavits filed before the Supreme Court, the duo expressed their commitment to uphold the majesty of law and justice, pledging not to make any public statements that may breach the undertaking given to the court in November last year.
Patanjali had previously assured the Supreme Court that it would refrain from making any casual claims regarding the medicinal efficacy of its products, or advertise them in violation of the law. Additionally, the company committed not to release any statements against any system of medicine to the media.
During the previous hearing, a bench comprising Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah expressed dissatisfaction with Patanjali’s contention that its media department was unaware of the Supreme Court’s undertaking. The bench rebuked Ramdev and Balkrishna for submitting improper versions of affidavits, declining to dispense with their personal appearance and ordering them to remain present on the next date of listing.
Ramdev and Balkrishna were summoned to court after Patanjali failed to respond to the contempt notice issued by the apex court.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has urged action against Patanjali for allegedly violating the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954. This Act prohibits the advertisement of certain products for the treatment of specified diseases and disorders, including diabetes, heart diseases, high or low blood pressure, and obesity.