SC allows Patanjali to file contempt plea against IMA chief

SC allows Patanjali to file contempt plea against IMA chief

NEW DELHI: After Patanjali Ayurved founders Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna, who had to face contempt proceedings on a plea by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), it now seems to be the turn of the IMA chief to face the music with Supreme Court on Tuesday allowing filing of a contempt application against him for allegedly making disparaging remarks against the court.

Appearing before a bench of Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi said he had come across a “very disturbing” interview of IMA president R V Asokan in a newspaper and it must be considered by the court. “The IMA president says why is the court pointing fingers at us. This is direct interference with the court. He says these are unfortunate, vague comments by Supreme Court,” Rohatgi said.

“Bring it on record. This will be more serious than what has been happening till now. Be prepared for more serious consequences,” the bench said. Rohatgi, appearing for Patanjali, told the court that he would file a contempt application against the IMA president.

In the previous hearing, the bench had told IMA to put its “house in order” and address “unethical practices by doctors and hospitals like prescribing unnecessary and expensive medicines”. “Misuse of position by the petitioner association to prescribe expensive medicines and the line of treatment needs closer examination,” the court had said.

In his interview, the IMA president had termed the SC’s observation as “unfortunate”. The court also slammed the Uttarakhand State Licensing Authority for its failure to take inaction against Patanjali Ayurved for years together.

Appearing before a bench of Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi said he had come across a “very disturbing” interview of IMA president R V Asokan in a newspaper and it must be considered by the court.

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