Patanjali Apologizes Ahead of Supreme Court Hearing: Promises No Repeat of Misleading Ads

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 23rd April. In a preemptive move just hours before their scheduled appearance in front of the Supreme Court, Patanjali Ayurved issued a public apology today in a national daily. The apology, aimed at addressing the court’s concerns over misleading advertisements, emphasized Patanjali’s utmost respect for the judiciary and a pledge to rectify their mistakes.

This development follows the reprimand of Patanjali founders, Yoga guru Ramdev and his aide Balkrishna, by a Supreme Court bench regarding the company’s deceptive claims about curing diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure. Despite previous apologies being dismissed by the court as insincere, Patanjali’s latest statement seeks to demonstrate their commitment to rectify their advertising practices.

The advertisement, published in a national Hindi daily, expressed regret for previous errors in advertising and vowed not to repeat them. It acknowledged the court’s admonishment and reiterated the company’s respect for the judiciary’s authority.

Ramdev, responding to media inquiries after the last hearing, affirmed his faith in the judicial process, stating, “I have said what I had to. I have full faith in the judiciary.”

The court had previously criticized Patanjali for its handling of the apology process, noting that previous apologies were initially sent to the media rather than directly to the court, suggesting a focus on publicity rather than genuine contrition.

Justice A Amanullah cautioned that mere apologies were insufficient, emphasizing that consequences must be faced for violating court orders.

The contentious issue dates back to the pandemic era when Patanjali introduced Coronil in 2021, claiming it to be the “first evidence-based medicine for COVID-19.” Subsequent disputes arose over the validity of Patanjali’s claims, particularly regarding certification from the World Health Organization.

The conflict escalated further when Ramdev’s remarks disparaging allopathic medicine circulated widely, prompting legal action from the Indian Medical Association (IMA) demanding an apology. Patanjali Yogpeeth defended Ramdev’s comments as innocuous, attributing them to a forwarded message.

The ongoing dispute intensified with allegations of Patanjali spreading misinformation through advertisements, prompting legal action from the IMA and subsequent warnings from the Supreme Court.

Despite previous assurances to the court regarding compliance with advertising regulations, Patanjali faced renewed scrutiny following reports of continued misleading advertising practices, prompting the court to demand an explanation.