Supreme Court talks tough, asks Team Ramdev, ’Apology same size as ads?’

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, April 23, 2024: Patanjali Ayurved, during a hearing in the Supreme Court over the misleading ads, said it had published an apology in 67 newspapers, asserting it had the utmost respect for the court and their mistakes would not be repeated. The Supreme Court asked if the size of the apology put out in newspapers by Patanjali was similar to full-page advertisements for its products.

 

In the advertisement, Patanjali apologised for the "mistake of publishing advertisements and holding a press conference even after our advocates made a statement in the apex court". Patanjali claimed before the Supreme Court that the advertisements cost Rs 10 lakh.

A bench of Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah asked why the apology was filed after one week, just ahead of the Supreme Court hearing. "Is the apology the same size as your advertisements?" Justice Kohli said.

Baba Ramdev and his aide Ahcharya Balkrishna were personally present in the court.

The court ordered Patanjali to collate the ads and submit them before the bench.

"Do not enlarge them and supply it to us. We want to see the actual size... we want to see that when you issue an ad it does not mean we have to see it by a microscope. It is not meant to be on papers but also read," the court further said.

Last week, the Supreme Court had warned Ramdev against any attempt to "degrade allopathy" and directed Patanjali to tender a "public apology and show contrition" within a week.

The Supreme Court also noted that other FMCGs were also publishing misleading ads and taking the public for a ride. "This, in particular, is affecting the health of babies, school-going children and senior citizens... who have been consuming their products," Justice Kohli said.

The court further said that it was necessary to implead the Ministry of Consumer Affairs in the case to examine steps taken by the government to prevent abuse of the Drugs and Magic Remedies Act.

The court posted the matter for April 30.

The top court is hearing a petition filed by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) alleging a smear campaign by Patanjali against modern systems of medicine.

Courtesy: India Today