Patanjali misleading ads case: SC refuses to accept Baba Ramdev's apology

The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to accept an apology submitted by Baba Ramdev and Patanjali Ayurved Managing Director Acharya Balkrishna in the case related to misleading ads. The two had tendered the apology in response to show-cause notices asking them why contempt of court proceedings should not be initiated against them for allegedly flouting its directions. The apex court has now ordered them to file fresh responses.

Offering their 'unconditional apology ' Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna said their media department was not aware of the court’s directions in the case.

Reacting to the apology, SC said that it's a mere lip service and the company knew very well about the laws being broken. According to media reports, the court said, "If this is indefensible, then your apology will not work. This is a gross violation of the undertaking given to the top court. You have to ensure that your undertaking which is solemn should have been adhered to…We are not willing to accept this and this is perfunctory! What is the reason to accept your apology?" Justice Kohli said.

The Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah, told senior advocate Balbir Singh, appearing for Ramdev, "Take this contempt seriously. We are getting the impression that you are representing somebody who is in the teeth of an undertaking given to this court. For you to go like a shot and give a press conference in 24 hours shows you knew about the proceedings and then you violated them".

Patanjali asserted that its media department had no knowledge of the directive. "Being the co-founder of the organisation, we refuse to believe that the company was not aware. You holding the press conference within 24 hours shows that you were cognisant," SC's Justice Kohli said.

"Not just the Supreme Court; every order passed by courts across the country has to be respected," said Justice Kohli, adding, "[This is] absolute defiance. We are not convinced by the apology. We need to take contempt cases to a logical conclusion", SC said according to reports. 

According to reports, Patanjali Ayurved was ordered to provide two affidavits relating to distinct contempt occurrences. The initial affidavit was to explain the company's continuation of broadcasting deceptive advertisements despite a court commitment to cease such activities. The subsequent affidavit was regarding its neglect to address the contempt notice served to Balakrishna and the company.

The next hearing is scheduled for April 10.

In November 2023, the Supreme Court, in response to a plea filed by the IMA, issued a notice to Patanjali Ayurveda directing it to not release any ‘misleading’ advertisements or make statements adverse to allopathy. In the plea, the IMA had accused Patanjali of defaming evidence-based medicine. The petition by IMA requested the court to control the "smear campaign" and negative advertisements against the vaccination drive and modern medicines.

Patanjali came under fire again on February 27 when the Supreme Court issued a contempt notice to the company and its Managing Director Acharya Balakrishna for violation of its previous order.