Patanjali Misleading Ads: SC Appreciates Baba Ramdev’s Apology, Grants Relief

New Delhi: Baba Ramdev and Patanjali MD Acharya Balkrishna found favour with the Supreme Court following their public apology over misleading advertisements. The apex court, acknowledging a “marked improvement” in their apology, as published in newspapers and exempted them from appearing personally in the next hearing.

Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah lauded the language of the unconditional apology, skillfully presented by their legal representative, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi. Notably, Justice Amanullah emphasized the inclusion of Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna’s names, a notable contrast from the previous apology, signalling a positive trajectory in their compliance.

The genesis of the case lies in a petition filed by the Indian Medical Association, alleging Baba Ramdev, Balkrishna, and their company of orchestrating a smear campaign against coronavirus vaccination and modern medicine through their advertisements. In response, the court mandated the trio to submit a formal apology.

Back in November 2023, the Balkrishna-led company had assured the court of adherence to regulations governing misleading advertisements. However, earlier this year, the court discovered a breach of this commitment, leading to show cause notices and ultimately a directive for personal appearance.

The next hearing is slated for May 7, with the court extending exemption from personal appearance solely for this date, following a plea by their counsel, Mukul Rohatgi.