SC Warns Yoga Guru Ramdev And Balkrishna: 'Be Ready For Consequences'

Yoga guru Ramdev and Patanjali Ayurved's managing director Acharya Balkrishna have moved to the Supreme Court following their summons to appear in person for the contempt proceedings linked to the misleading advertisements case. On March 19, the court directed Baba Ramdev to appear in person within two weeks.

The Supreme Court issued a stern warning to Ramdev and Balakrishna for disregarding its instructions. "Be ready for action," the Court cautioned Ramdev.

Furthermore, the Supreme Court rejected an apology submitted by Patanjali last month. "Your apology does not satisfy us," the apex court stated.

Meanwhile, Ramdev's lawyer expressed their willingness for both Ramdev and Balakrishna to personally apologize in court. "We are prepared to apologize and accept whatever the court decides," the yoga guru's lawyer conveyed to the court with folded hands.

On February 27, the Supreme Court had instructed the company to immediately cease all electronic and print advertisements of its medicines containing misleading information.

Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah's bench had also issued a notice to Ramdev, asking him to explain why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against him.

The apex court had additionally instructed Patanjali to cease all advertisements of its products claiming to treat ailments and disorders listed in the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954.

"How can you defy our orders?... We were lenient before, but not anymore (with the initiation of contempt proceedings)," the court had informed senior counsel Mukul Rohatgi, representing Patanjali Ayurved.

The Supreme Court made these comments while hearing a plea by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) seeking action against Baba Ramdev for his criticisms of modern medicine.

Following the Supreme Court's rebuke, Patanjali Ayurved, in an affidavit, issued an unconditional apology, stating that Patanjali's aim was solely to encourage citizens to lead healthier lives by using its products.

The affidavit further explained that Patanjali's objective was to alleviate the burden on the country's healthcare infrastructure by offering solutions for lifestyle-related medical complications through Ayurveda.

In November 2023, the Supreme Court instructed Patanjali Ayurved to halt misleading claims and advertisements against the modern healthcare system. Patanjali had assured the court that it would refrain from making any statements or claims without substantiation.