In the issue of misleading marketing, Baba Ramdev and Patanjali Ayurved MD Acharya Balkrishna submitted an unequivocal apology, but the Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected it.
The court stated in sharply worded notes that their “back against the wall” is the only reason for the “apology on paper” being given.
The court instructed Patanjali Ayurveda and its representative to be prepared for action in the contempt case, citing the former’s alleged publication of deceptive advertisements despite their promise to stop doing so.
“There’s a written apology. They have the wall to their back. Judge Hima Kohli stated, “We refuse to accept this, we consider it a deliberate violation of the undertaking.”
The message needs to reach society, the Supreme Court remarked, following the reading of Baba Ramdev’s affidavit in which he expressed his “unconditional and unqualified” remorse by senior lawyer Mukul Rohatgi.
The “contemnors” sent the affidavits to the media first, the court further noted. “They believe in publicity clearly,” the court observed.
“I ask for forgiveness for the aforementioned statement breach. His affidavit stated, “I promise to defend the majesty of law and majesty of justice at all times.
Additionally, he stated that no ads promising medical cures will be printed.
The company was facing contempt proceedings against Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna for deceptive ads. The court had issued a show cause notice to the company last month, and it was then asking them to appear before it.
Additionally, the court noted that they appeared to have broken the November 2023 ruling of the highest court.
