On Tuesday, the Supreme Court reserved its verdict in the contempt of court case filed against Patanjali Ayurved, along with its founders Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna.
This case stems from allegations regarding the company’s misleading advertisements, filed by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) under the case title “Indian Medical Association and anr v. Union of India and Ors.”
A Bench comprising Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah presided over the proceedings.
During the hearing, the Court waived Ramdev and Balkrishna’s need to appear in person after they assured to submit an affidavit within three weeks outlining actions taken to remove misleading Patanjali product advertisements.
Ramdev and Balkrishna are to outline the measures they have taken to recall Patanjali products.
Senior Advocate Balbir Singh, representing Ramdev and Balkrishna, informed the Court that Patanjali had communicated with platforms still running its ads, and sales of banned products had ceased.
Singh also requested the Court to excuse his clients from personal appearances, which the Bench accepted, stating, “We will dispense with their presence. We will be reserving orders. File your affidavit, it will make a difference.”
The Court emphasized the importance of well-informed consumer choices, especially given Baba Ramdev’s significant influence. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta acknowledged Ramdev’s contributions to yoga but differentiated them from Patanjali products, which were under scrutiny.
Initially focused on Patanjali’s misleading ads and regulatory inaction, the Court’s attention expanded to broader issues, including misleading advertisements by other consumer goods suppliers and unethical practices in modern medicine.
The Bench had previously warned social media influencers and celebrities of equal responsibility for endorsing products in misleading ads.
The Court’s scrutiny also extended to the failure of certain online platforms to remove prohibited Patanjali product ads and the company’s continued sales despite suspended licenses.
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