Supreme Court verdict in contempt case against Patanjali Ayurved and Baba Ramdev
Patanjali had launched a smear campaign against the use of modern medicines, for which the Indian Medical Association (IMA) had filed a petition in the Supreme Court last year. According to the IMA petition, the company has been spreading lies about its products' ability to cure diseases. Following the court's remarks, Patanjali had vowed to recuse itself from such claims.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday ruled in contempt of court cases against Patanjali Ayurved, Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna. The case was registered in connection with misleading advertisements and violation s of prior commitments.
Read what was the background of the case
Patanjali had launched a smear campaign against the use of modern medicines, for which the Indian Medical Association (IMA) had filed a petition in the Supreme Court last year. According to the IMA petition, the company has been spreading lies about its products’ ability to cure diseases. Following the court’s remarks, Patanjali had vowed to recuse itself from such claims.
Supreme Court's contempt notice and apology notice to Baba Ramdev
However, the Supreme Court had termed Patanjali as a violation of its promises made earlier this year. The court issued contempt notices to Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna. The court issued a notice to him to be present in the court for not responding to the notice. After this, Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna published full apology letters twice in the newspaper, which the court expressed satisfaction.
Court's observations and directions
A bench of Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah advised Baba Ramdev to use his influence in the right way. “The public is conscious, if they have options, they make well thought-out choices,” the court said. Baba Ramdev has a lot of influence, use it in the right way. “Whatever has been done for yoga is good, but it is against the law that Patanjali products make good or bad comments on anyone else,” the court said.
The court granted three weeks time to Patanjali to file an affidavit on the steps taken to withdraw misleading advertisements for patanjali products, for which the licence has been cancelled.
Conclusions
The supreme court’s reserved order in this contempt case against Patanjali Ayurved and Baba Ramdev is being closely watched. The results could have a significant impact on the company and its promoters and the broader FMCG industry. This case is responsible advertising and legal commitments. Read more
