New Delhi: Renowned yoga guru Baba Ramdev tendered an unreserved apology to the Supreme Court on Tuesday for his failure to adhere to its directives regarding misleading advertisements.
Appearing before the Supreme Court alongside Patanjali Ayurved’s managing director, Acharya Balkrishna, Baba Ramdev responded to show cause notices issued against them in the wake of their non-compliance with court orders.
On March 19, the apex court instructed Ramdev and Balkrishna to appear before it after expressing dissatisfaction with the company’s lack of response to previous notices.
Expressing its disappointment, the court deemed it necessary to issue a show cause notice to Ramdev, citing the advertisements released by Patanjali as a breach of the undertaking provided to the court on November 21, 2023, effectively endorsing the products.
Ramdev’s counsel humbly acknowledged his presence in court and extended an unconditional apology on his behalf.
The Supreme Court emphasized the importance of adhering to commitments made by companies, particularly in the realm of advertising and branding, urging Baba Ramdev to uphold the promises made by his company to the court.
The court rebuked the blatant disregard for its orders, stating, “This is absolute defiance. Not only the Supreme Court, but every court order in the country must be respected.”
Patanjali Ayurved Ltd. had assured the court in November 2023 that it would not flout any laws, especially those pertaining to advertising its products. They had also pledged not to make any statements that claim medicinal efficacy or disparage any system of medicine.
The Supreme Court is currently considering a plea by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), alleging a smear campaign by Ramdev against the Covid vaccination drive and modern medicine practices.
(with inputs from PTI)
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