SC Hauls Up Patanjali Over Misleading Health Cure Ads
The Supreme Court has issued a contempt notice to yoga guru Baba Ramdev’s consumer goods firm Patanjali Ayurved and its MD Acharya Balakrishna for flouting its previous ruling restraining advertisements making unverified claims about treating diseases.
The apex court prohibited the company from issuing any public statements against modern medicine systems in media. It is examining a blanket promotion ban before restricting curbs to drugs and cure endorsements for now after considering potential business impact.
Big breaking: Supreme Court imposes a COMPLETE BAN on Patanjali advertisements after SC comes down heavily upon Baba Ramdev and Patanjali for 'false and misleading' ads. Notice for contempt of court issued to Patanjali and Acharya Balakrishnan.
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) February 27, 2024
Supreme Court comes down heavily…
Patanjali Showed Courage Despite Ban: SC
A SC bench comprising Justice Hima Kohli and Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah expressed dismay that Patanjali “had the guts” to continue misleading ads claiming permanent relief for ailments despite explicit prohibition earlier.
It was hearing a petition by the Indian Medical Association alleging Ramdev’s persisting attacks on allopathy through advertisements, statements etc despite multiple court reprimanding.
IMA presents fresh evidence on contempt
In November 2023, the SC had warned Patanjali and Ramdev of imposing ₹1 crore penalty for any subsequent denigration of modern medicine. It had also prohibited all disparaging advertisements against the allopathy system then.
Patanjali: Supreme Court Order Doesnt Impact Us
Meanwhile, Patanjali has issued a statement, saying Supreme Court order will have no impact over their business operations.
