Yoga guru Ramdev and his associate Balkrishna have issued a public apology in newspapers today, addressing their failure to comply with the Supreme Court’s directives in the misleading advertisements case against Patanjali Ayurved Limited. This apology comes as the second in two days, with Patanjali also issuing an apology yesterday, although questions were raised about the size and prominence of that apology compared to the misleading ads it sought to rectify.
The advertisement published today occupies one-fourth of a newspaper page and is titled “Unconditional Public Apology.” It acknowledges the ongoing legal proceedings before the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India and expresses regret for the non-compliance with court directives. Ramdev, Balkrishna, and Patanjali Ayurved Limited collectively extend their apologies for any disobedience and commit to upholding court directions with due diligence.
Specifically mentioned in the apology is regret for organizing a meeting/press conference on November 22, 2023, and for the errors made in publishing misleading advertisements. The statement emphasizes a sincere commitment to avoiding such mistakes in the future and abiding by the court’s instructions and applicable laws.
This development follows a recent court hearing where questions were raised about the prominence and size of Patanjali’s earlier apology. The court had inquired if the apology had been published with the same font and size as the misleading advertisements it aimed to rectify. Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Ramdev and Balkrishna, informed the court that the apology was published in 67 newspapers at a cost of ₹10 lakh, but the court remained firm in its scrutiny.
The matter is set to be further discussed on April 30, with Ramdev and Balkrishna summoned to appear before the court. The case stems from allegations regarding misleading advertisements related to Patanjali’s products, including the controversial drug Coronil, which was touted as a remedy for COVID-19.
The Supreme Court’s intervention came after the Indian Medical Association (IMA) raised concerns about Patanjali’s claims and the spread of misinformation through its advertisements. Despite earlier apologies being deemed insufficient, the recent newspaper apology signals a renewed effort by Ramdev, Balkrishna, and Patanjali to address the court’s concerns and rectify their compliance with legal directives.
Sources By Agencies
