The Supreme Court is hearing a contempt case against Patanjali Ayurved for its deceptive ads and promises regarding a treatment for Covid-19. Yoga guru Ramdev and his partner Balkrishna are appearing in court right now. The court had sharply chastised the Patanjali founders during the previous hearing and chastised the Uttarakhand government for doing little to stop the Haridwar-based company.
This morning, Justices Hima Kohli and A Amanullah acknowledged the significant contributions of the Patanjali founders to yoga. “We respect what you have done for yoga,” the bench remarked. Ramdev and Balkrishna expressed their readiness to issue a public apology, with Ramdev clarifying that it was never his intention to undermine the prestige of the Supreme Court.
However, the court raised concerns about their “attitude” and questioned their dismissal of other medical systems in favor of emphasizing the benefits of Ayurveda. Justice Amanullah emphasized that “the law is the same for everybody,” to which Ramdev assured that he would be more cautious in the future.
The court stated that it would deliberate on the matter considering all previous developments. “We have not decided whether to forgive you or not. You have violated directives thrice. The earlier orders are under our consideration. You are not so innocent that you did not know what’s happening in court,” the court noted. The next hearing is scheduled for April 23, and Ramdev and Balkrishna have been instructed to appear again and demonstrate their sincerity.
Speaking to the media outside the court, Ramdev expressed his confidence in the judiciary, stating, “I have said what I had to. I have full faith in the judiciary.”
Previously, the court had rejected two apologies from Ramdev and Balkrishna, noting that the letters were initially sent to the media. Justice Hima Kohli remarked, “Till the matter hit the court, the contemnors did not find it fit to send us the affidavits. They believe in publicity clearly.”
Justice A Amanullah questioned the sincerity of the apology, stating, “Tendering apology is not enough. You should suffer the consequences for violating the court’s order.”
The case stems from the launch of Coronil by Patanjali during the Covid years, with Ramdev claiming it to be the “first evidence-based medicine for COVID-19.” The Indian Medical Association contested this claim, leading to a legal tussle. Despite assurances from Patanjali’s counsel, the Supreme Court continues to scrutinize the company’s actions, especially regarding misleading advertisements.
