Amid SC scrutiny, Baba Ramdev appeals voters to prioritise national interest and pick govt that can take care of India's culture

Amid the Supreme Court's stern stance against Patanjali Ayurved's Baba Ramdev and its managing director Acharya Balkrishna, Ramdev has appealed to everyone to cast their votes in national interest and choose a government that can take care of India's culture.

"I appeal to everyone to cast their votes for national interest. Choose a government that can keep our culture in one hand and is also capable of making India world's strongest economy. Dreams of all Indians will come true if we choose such government," says Yoga Guru Ramdev in Haridwar.

Yesterday, the Supreme Court maintained its stern stance against Acharya Balkrishna and Baba Ramdev, asserting that the duo remains under scrutiny despite tendering "unqualified and unconditional apology" for promoting misleading advertisements of their ayurvedic products.


In a hearing on Tuesday, the apex court extended Ramdev and Balkrishna a week's time to rectify their actions and demonstrate sincerity concerning the advertisements. The court scheduled the next hearing for April 23, urging both individuals to appear.

While acknowledging Ramdev's contributions to yoga, Justice Hima Kohli emphasized that the court has yet to decide on absolution. She reminded them of their repeated violations of court directives, stating, "Your history is similar. You have violated (directives) thrice. The earlier orders are under our consideration."

The bench, conversing in Hindi, queried Ramdev's decision to disparage other medical systems while promoting ayurveda. "Ayurveda has been around since the time of Maharishi Charak. Why did you?" they asked.

Addressing the issue of disobedience, the judges emphasized the principle of equality before the law, asserting, "Law is equal for everyone."

Ramdev, expressing regret for Patanjali's actions, offered an "unconditional and unqualified" apology, affirming that there was no intent to undermine the Supreme Court's prestige. He assured that Patanjali would exercise caution in the future.

Justice Kohli cautioned Balkrishna against disparaging other medical systems, underscoring the need for responsible conduct.

The court's decision to grant a week's time followed senior counsel Mukul Rohatgi's statement that the duo was prepared to issue a public apology to express contrition regarding the advertisements.

Previously, the Supreme Court had rebuffed their apologies twice, while also criticizing the Union government for its silence regarding Patanjali Ayurved's misleading advertisements.