Patanjali Issues Public Apology In 67 Newspapers, SC Asks 'Is It Same Size As Ads?'

patanjali issues public apology in 67 newspapers, sc asks ‘is it same size as ads?’

New Delhi: Ramdev’s Patanjali issued a public apology in 67 newspapers ahead of the Supreme Court hearing regarding a misleading advertisement case. However, the court expressed dissatisfaction, questioning why the apologies were filed only yesterday instead of earlier. The apex court also questioned Ramdev if the “apologies were the same size as ads?”.

Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Ramdev and Balkrishna, said that the apology was published at a cost of Rs 10 lakh. Justice Hima Kohli inquired about the prominence of the apology, asking if it was displayed in the same font and size as previous advertisements. Despite Rohatgi mentioning the significant expenses incurred, the court responded, “We are not bothered.”

Ahead of a crucial Supreme Court hearing regarding misleading advertisements, Patanjali Ayurved released a public apology in national newspapers. In its apology, the company highlighted its respect for the court and commitment to rectifying mistakes.

This move follows previous scrutiny by the Supreme Court bench directed towards Patanjali founders, Yoga guru Ramdev and his aide Balkrishna, over misleading claims regarding disease cures such as diabetes and high blood pressure. The court had previously rejected apologies from Ramdev and Balkrishna, deeming them insincere.

In a statement published in a national Hindi daily, Patanjali expressed regret for its past actions and pledged not to repeat similar mistakes. The advertisement acknowledges errors in publishing ads and holding press conferences despite assurances from legal counsel.

“We tender our heartfelt apology for the mistakes committed in publishing ads and holding press conferences despite the assurances by our counsel. We are committed not to repeat this mistake,” the ad read.

The Supreme Court, on April 10, dismissed an “unconditional apology” from Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna in the Patanjali Ayurved misleading advertisements case, asserting their actions as “willful, deliberate, and repeated violations” of court orders. The petition against Patanjali Ayurved was lodged by the Indian Medical Association (IMA).

Earlier, the apex court had sternly warned Ramdev and Balkrishna for their failure to comply with its directives, cautioning them to prepare for consequences. The court said that a specific undertaking was given to follow its orders diligently, yet Patanjali’s media and advertisement departments failed to adhere to it, labelling their affidavit as mere “lip service.”

The Case Against Patanjali

The case against Patanjali originated in November last year when the Supreme Court, during a petition by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), cautioned the company against disseminating “false and misleading” claims about its medicines in advertisements.

In February, the court directed Patanjali to halt all electronic and print advertisements containing “misleading information” about its medicines. Ramdev’s legal counsel expressed readiness for personal apologies from both Ramdev and Balkrishna in court, acknowledging their preparedness to accept any repercussions.

The Indian Medical Association cited several advertisements allegedly portraying allopathy and doctors negatively, with firms producing ayurvedic medicines also accused of making “disparaging” statements to mislead the public.