Supreme Court Questions Government's Inaction in Ramdev's Misleading Ads Case

NEW DELHI: On Tuesday, Yoga expert Ramdev presented himself before the Supreme Court, expressing regret for violating the court's directive related to deceptive promotions of Patanjali's health products. The Supreme Court expressed its dissatisfaction with Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna, the managing director of Patanjali Ayurved, for their outright refusal to submit appropriate compliance affidavits.

The court also showed its disapproval towards Balkrishna's remarks that dismissed the Drugs and Cosmetics (Magic Remedies) Act as being obsolete.

Here's what the Supreme Court said:

On Ramdev's affidavit

“Every order passed by the courts across this country has to be respected ... this is absolute defiance,” a bench comprising Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah said.

“You have to abide by the undertaking given to the court and you have broken every barrier,” the bench told Ramdev and the Patanjali MD, who were present in person.

'Lip service'

"We can also say that we are sorry for not accepting it. Your apology is not persuading this court. It is more of a lip service", justice Hima Kohli said.

On Centre

The top court wondered as to why the Centre “chose to keep its eyes shut when Patanjali was going to town saying there were no remedy for Covid in allopathy”.

It further questioned Ayush Ministry for not submitting Patanjali's reply after the ministry had issued notice to it regarding Covid medicines in 2022. "We have questions for AYUSH. You issued notice to Patanjali and they filed a reply and reply is not before us and we are wondering why. Covid was in 2022 and you had yourself stated that these were at best supplements to the main medicine," it said.

'Last opportunity'

The bench granted the last opportunity to Ramdev and Balkrishna to file their affidavits in the matter in one week.

While posting the matter for further hearing on April 10, the bench directed that both of them shall remain present before it on the next date.