Rejecting the second set of apologies filed by Patanjali founders, Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna, for the company’s misleading ads, the Supreme Court on Wednesday said “we are not blind” and that “it does not want to be generous” in this case.
The court also noted that it is not satisfied with the Centre’s reply in the matter.
A bench of Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah came down heavily on Patanjali, saying “We don’t accept it (apology), we decline to accept this. We consider it a wilful, deliberate disobedience of the undertaking.”
Also Read: Patanjali Ayurved issues apology for ‘misleading’ claims in advertisement after SC rebuke
The Supreme Court observed that the message has to go to society at large not to violate the court’s order, ANI reported.
“(This is) not just about one FMCG but violation of the law. Look at your replies to state authority when they asked you to withdraw, you said HC said no coercive steps against us. We are making it a part of your conduct, larger picture is your conduct with the public at large but saying it is in good faith,” the bench noted.
Justice Amanullah asked if the apology is “even heartfelt”. “What else needs to be said, my lords, we will. He is not (a) professional litigant. People make mistakes in life!,” Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the Patanjali founders, replied. “Even after our orders? We don’t want to be so generous in this case,” the bench said.
Also Read: Baba Ramdev set to appear before SC over ‘misleading advertisements’ by Patanjali Ayurved
At the beginning of the proceedings, the bench noted that Ramdev and Balkrishna sent their apologies to the media first. “Till the matter hit the Court, the contemnors did not find it fit to send us the affidavits. They sent it to the media first, till 7.30 pm yesterday it was not uploaded for us. They believe in publicity clearly,” Justice Kohli said.
What is the misleading Patanjali ads case?
The Supreme Court is hearing a petition filed by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), which alleges that Ramdev conducted a smear campaign against the Covid-19 vaccination drive and modern medicine.
Established in 2006 by Ramdev and Balkrishna, Patanjali Ayurved is a multinational conglomerate that produces a wide range of products, including Ayurvedic medicines, cosmetics, and food items.
Recently, the Supreme Court expressed strong disapproval towards Patanjali, noting its failure to respond to a contempt notice. The court instructed Ramdev and Balkrishna to appear before it, asserting that Patanjali Ayurved’s advertisements contradicted the assurances given to the court last year.
On November 21 of the previous year, Patanjali’s legal representative assured the court that there would be no further violations of laws, especially concerning the advertising or branding of its products. Additionally, they pledged that no statements claiming medicinal efficacy or criticising any medical system would be disseminated to the media.