Baba Ramdev apologises to SC in Patanjali misleading ads case

New Delhi, Apr 2: Yoga guru Baba Ramdev issued an unconditional apology to the Supreme Court on Tuesday for failing to comply with its order in the misleading advertisements case.

The Supreme Court granted Baba Ramdev one more opportunity to submit his response to the alleged contempt proceedings. However, it characterized his in-person apology as mere 'lip service’.

Accompanied by Patanjali Ayurved's managing director Acharya Balkrishna, Baba Ramdev appeared before the Supreme Court on Tuesday, following show cause notices issued to them earlier, questioning why contempt proceedings should not be initiated.

Ramdev's counsel informed the court of his presence and offered the unconditional apology.

The Supreme Court emphasized that Baba Ramdev must adhere to his company's commitment made to the court. Criticizing his conduct, the court remarked, "You have broken every barrier."

"This is absolute defiance. Not only must the Supreme Court's orders be respected, but so must the orders of all courts across the country," the court added.

Patanjali Ayurved Ltd had assured the top court on November 21, 2023, that it would not breach any laws, particularly those related to advertising or branding its products. It had also promised the bench, led by Justice Hima Kohli, that no statements implying medicinal efficacy or disparaging any medical system would be disseminated to the media in any manner.

However, the Supreme Court found the company in violation of its order.

On March 19, the apex court summoned Ramdev and Balkrishna after expressing dissatisfaction with the company's failure to respond to the notice issued in the case.

The top court is addressing a plea by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) alleging a smear campaign by Ramdev against the Covid vaccination drive and modern medicine.