Patanjali apologises in misleading ads case

Baba Ramdev's Patanjali Ayurved has found itself in troubled waters amidst allegations of misleading ads. On Tuesday, March 19, the Supreme Court of India expressed displeasure at the company for not responding to the contempt of court notice. Following this, the company filed an affidavit on March 20 where it apologized to SC for the misleading claims about its products and their medicinal effectiveness. 

According to reports, submitting an "unqualified apology", company MD Acharya Balakrishna said Patanjali will "ensure that such advertisements are not issued in the future". The affidavit mentioned that provisions of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, which prohibits advertisements of magic cure claims, are "archaic" and the last changes in the legislation were made when "scientific evidence in Ayurveda research were lacking". 

“Patanjali now has evidence-based scientific data with clinical research conducted in Ayurveda, which would demonstrate the advances made through scientific research in the context of diseases mentioned in the said schedule.” 

"In light of the same it is humbly submitted that the Deponent's only quest is for a better and healthier life for each and every citizen and to reduce the burden on the countries healthcare infrastructure by providing holistic, evidence based solutions for lifestyle related medical complications through the usage of age old traditional approach of Ayurveda and Yoga”, it added. The next hearing is listed for April 2, 2024. 

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.