NEW DELHI (Diya TV) — The Indian Supreme Court rejected the apologies made by yoga guru Baba Ramdev and Patanjali Ayurved’s managing director Acharya Balkrishna concerning misleading advertisements. The court also censured the Uttarakhand government for its failure to address Patanjali Ayurved’s violations of the law.
During the proceedings, a Bench comprising Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah made it clear leniency would not be entertained in this matter. The case has been slated for further hearing on April 16.
The court’s rebuke stemmed from Patanjali Ayurved’s continued dissemination of deceptive advertisements despite previous directives. It criticized the company’s attempts to offer “unconditional and unqualified” apologies, asserting that they were made only after being “caught on the wrong foot.” Such actions, the court emphasized, amounted to a willful and deliberate breach of its orders.
Additionally, the Uttarakhand government faced the court’s wrath for its lack of action. The licensing inspectors’ failure to intervene was condemned, with the court demanding accountability. The court was particularly incensed by the revelation that officials remained inactive for several years, displaying a disregard for public health.
Furthermore, the court directed scrutiny towards all officers who held positions as district Ayurvedic and Unani officers from 2018 onward. Their responses regarding the actions taken in response to Patanjali’s misleading advertisements were mandated.
Earlier attempts at reconciliation, including an affidavit submitted by Ramdev and Balkrishna on April 9, offering an unconditional apology, were dismissed as mere “lip service.” The court expressed skepticism about the genuineness of the apologies.
The court also raised questions about the government’s inaction amidst Patanjali’s exaggerated claims, particularly during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. It expressed dismay over the government’s passive stance, highlighting concerns about the protection of public interests.
