Patanjali Ayurved Rebuked by Supreme Court for Inadequate Apology in Misleading Advertisements Case

Patanjali Ayurved Faces Supreme Court Rebuke Over Misleading Advertisements

In a case involving disparaging advertisements for ayurvedic products, the Supreme Court reprimanded Patanjali Ayurved for submitting a casual apology affidavit that failed to address the Court’s orders to cease broadcasting such ads.

Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah expressed dissatisfaction with Patanjali’s claim that its media wing was unaware of the Court’s directives.

The Court emphasized the seriousness of violating solemn undertakings and hinted at potential perjury charges due to discrepancies in submitted documents.

Criticism was also directed at Patanjali’s founder, Baba Ramdev, for holding a press conference following the Court’s warnings. Despite Ramdev’s counsel suggesting the strictures would serve as a lesson, the Court insisted on upholding the rule of law.

Patanjali and its management were ordered to file a more sincere apology affidavit by April 10, with the Court stressing the importance of compliance and trust in legal processes.

The Indian Medical Association, represented by senior advocate PS Patwalia, highlighted Patanjali’s attempts to shift blame to its media department and underscored the misleading nature of the advertisements.

Senior advocate Vipin Sanghi, representing Patanjali, argued that the organization’s activities served public interest, a claim rebuffed by the Court, which reiterated Patanjali’s commercial nature.