New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday declined to accept the unconditional apology tendered by Baba Ramdev and Patanjali Ayurveda MD Acharya Balkrishna in a case concerning misleading advertisements.
In a strongly worded response, the court dismissed the apology, asserting that it was only issued because their “back is against the wall.” The justices highlighted that despite previous undertakings to desist from misleading advertisements, Patanjali Ayurveda allegedly continued to publish them, leading to contempt proceedings.
“The apology is on paper. Their back is against the wall. We decline to accept this, we consider it a deliberate violation of undertaking,” stated Justice Hima Kohli during the proceedings.
The court characterized the conduct of Baba Ramdev and Balkrishna as wilful disobedience, firmly asserting, “We don’t accept it (apology), we decline to accept this. We consider it a wilful, deliberate disobedience of the undertaking.”
Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Baba Ramdev, read out an affidavit expressing “unconditional and unqualified” apology. However, the court remained unconvinced, emphasizing the importance of upholding the majesty of the law and sending a clear message to society against violating court orders.
Furthermore, the court noted with concern that the contemnors initially sent the affidavits to the media, suggesting a focus on publicity rather than genuine remorse.
Baba Ramdev, facing contempt proceedings, expressed regret for the lapse in an affidavit on Tuesday, pledging not to repeat the offense. Similarly, Acharya Balkrishna vowed to ensure the non-issuance of offending advertisements in the future, promising to exercise greater vigilance.