SC shuts contempt case against Baba Ramdev, Acharya Balkrishna in Patanjali misleading ads case

In major relief to Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna, Supreme Court on Tuesday closed contempt case against them in Patanjali's misleading advertisement case. The cases is based on a plea filed in 2022 by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) alleging a smear campaign by Patanjali against the Covid vaccination drive and modern systems of medicine.

"The court has closed the contempt proceedings based on the undertakings given by Ramdev, Balkrishna and Patanjali Ayurved Ltd," advocate Gautam Talukdar, who represented the yoga guru, Balkrishna and the firm, said.

On May 14, the apex court had reserved its order on the contempt notice.


SC vs IMA:
During the last hearing, the top court asked the medical body's president, R V Asokan, whether his unconditional apology to the apex court over his "damaging" statements in an interview to PTI was published in all those newspapers which carried his interview. In the interview to PTI, where he had answered queries about Patanjali Ayurved Ltd's misleading advertisements case, Asokan had said it was "unfortunate" that the Supreme Court criticised the association and also some of the practices of private doctors.

The court also observed that the apology needs to be published in the newspapers by Asokan personally and not from the funds of the IMA.

Patanjali vs Supreme Court:
The case revolves around Patanjali Ayurved, engaged in sales of herbal products that they claim treat several serious diseases while taking a snipe at other systems of medicine through their advertisements.

The Indian Medical Association had filed a plea alleging a smear campaign by the company against modern medicine. Despite promising the top court that it won't violate any laws related to advertising or branding of products manufactured, marketed by it, the company was violation of it. This led to initiation of contempt proceedings.

Following orders, Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna earlier tendered an unconditional apology in regard to misleading advertisements by Patanjali Ayurveda and said that they undertake to always uphold the majesty of law and justice.

(with agency inputs)