Supreme Court Reserves Verdict in Contempt Case Against Patanjali Over Misleading Ads
The Supreme Court reserved its decision on Tuesday in the contempt of court case against Patanjali Ayurved and its founders Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna regarding the company’s misleading advertisements (Indian Medical Association and anr v. Union of India and ors).
Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah, presiding over the bench, also waived the personal appearance of Ramdev and Balkrishna after assurance that an affidavit would be submitted detailing actions taken to remove existing misleading ads for Patanjali products. The affidavit, due in three weeks, will also outline steps to recall Patanjali items whose licenses have been suspended.
The case stemmed from a lawsuit filed by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) against Patanjali Ayurved over ads that undermined modern medicine.
Senior Advocate Balbir Singh, representing Ramdev and Balkrishna, informed the court that Patanjali had contacted all platforms still displaying its ads and ceased the sale of banned products. He also requested their exemption from appearing in court, to which the bench responded by reserving their verdict, emphasizing the importance of the forthcoming affidavit.
Postponing judgment on the contempt case, the court emphasized public awareness in making informed choices, urging Ramdev to utilize his influential platform responsibly.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta acknowledged Ramdev’s contributions to yoga but distinguished the matter concerning Patanjali products. Justice Kohli concurred, noting the court’s focus on misleading ads and the need for corrective actions from Patanjali and its promoters.
The bench also highlighted broader issues, including misleading ads by other consumer goods suppliers and unethical practices in modern medicine. Recently, it warned social media influencers and celebrities of equal liability for endorsing products in misleading ads.
The court criticized the continued display of banned Patanjali ads on certain online platforms and emphasized the prohibition of selling products with suspended licenses. It previously reprimanded the Uttarakhand government for complicity with negligent licensing officers and demanded accountability, prompting apologies.
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