Patanjali Misleading Ads Case: Following Supreme Court Rebuke, Baba Ramdev Issues Another Apology in a Grand Gesture

Patanjali Ayurved, a company founded by yoga guru Baba Ramdev, has issued another round of apologies following scrutiny from the Supreme Court regarding the size and sincerity of their previous apologies over misleading advertisements. This time, the apologies have been published more prominently in newspapers.

The latest apology, signed by Baba Ramdev and Patanjali Managing Director Acharya Balkrishna, acknowledges the ongoing legal proceedings before the Supreme Court of India (Writ Petition C. No. 645/2022) and expresses unconditional regret for non-compliance with the court’s orders. The apology specifically addresses the organization of a meeting/press conference on November 22, 2023, and acknowledges mistakes made in publishing advertisements. The company vows not to repeat such errors and pledges to adhere diligently to the court’s directives and applicable laws.

This move comes in the wake of the Supreme Court’s pointed remarks during a recent hearing, where they instructed Patanjali’s legal representative to present the advertisements in question for examination, emphasizing the importance of transparency. The court expressed dissatisfaction with the size of the previous apology advertisements and stressed the need for clarity and compliance.

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Patanjali’s legal woes stem from a previous assurance made to the court in November 2023, promising to refrain from making statements against allopathy and issuing misleading advertisements. However, the company allegedly violated this promise by holding a press conference the following day and releasing an advertisement in December 2023. Consequently, both Ramdev and Balkrishna received contempt notices from the court.

Earlier this month, Ramdev and Balkrishna personally apologized to the Supreme Court after being reprimanded for their actions, which included publishing misleading advertisements and criticizing allopathic medicine. The court, however, remained firm, directing them to publicly express remorse and warning that relief would not be granted at this stage.

The court has scheduled further hearings for April 30 as it continues to address a petition filed by the Indian Medical Association in 2022, alleging Patanjali’s dissemination of disinformation regarding Covid vaccination and modern medical practices.