Achi news desk-
The Supreme Court on Tuesday granted one week to yoga guru Ramdev and Patanjali Ayurveda Ltd. Dr. Balkrishna Acharya to take unilateral steps to rectify their actions in the eyes of the law and the public in the alleged contempt of court in the misleading advertising case after their lawyers. Offer to issue a public apology.
The court adjourned the next matter to April 23.
“I am ready to give a public apology to show remorse and tell the public that it is not that I am just paying lip service in court…”, said Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for them, before the bench of judges Hima Kohli and Hasanuddin Amanula.
The bench also asked Ramdev if he should not have avoided showing other systems of medicine in a bad light.
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During the hearing, the throne summoned Ramdev and Balakrishna to the front of the courtroom. Judge Hima Kohli addressed Ramdev, acknowledging his work in the field of yoga but asking why his company continued to advertise herbal medicines despite the Union government recommending an investigation under the Drugs and Magic Act.
The court emphasized that Patanjali’s advertisements, which claim cures for various diseases including COVID-19, were deliberate violations of the 1954 Act. Justice Kohli expressed concern about Ramdev’s criticism of other fields of medicine and emphasized the responsibility he has as a public figure.
Ramdev admitted that he might get carried away with his claims and apologized to the Supreme Court, pledging to be more careful in the future. Acharya Balakrishna echoed this sentiment, attributing their actions to lack of knowledge.
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Judge Ahsanuddin Amanullah emphasized that the law applies equally to everyone, regardless of their status, and reiterated the importance of maintaining the majesty of the court and the constitution.
The court was irked by a press conference held by Ramdev on November 22, 2023 in Haridwar and an advertisement released by the company on December 4, 2023 in alleged violation of an undertaking given by it on November 21, 2023 not to do so. The undertaking was given following a petition filed by the Indian Medical Association (IMA).
The pair said they were ready to issue a public apology after the court refused to accept their apology last week.
