1. Patanjali’s Acharya Balakrishna regrets misleading ads, and pledges future cessation.
2. The company aims to ease the healthcare burden through Ayurvedic remedies, as emphasised in the affidavit.
3. Affidavit underscores commitment to address lifestyle-related medical concerns with Ayurveda.
New Delhi, March 21: In an affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court on Thursday, Patanjali Ayurved’s managing director Acharya Balakrishna expressed “regret” for misleading advertisements and assured that such ads would cease in the future.
The company emphasized its aim to alleviate the strain on the country’s healthcare system by offering Ayurvedic solutions for lifestyle-related medical issues.
The swift response from Patanjali followed a show cause notice issued by the Supreme Court, prompting Yoga guru Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balakrishna to appear in person within two weeks.
Additionally, Patanjali tendered an “unconditional apology” to the Supreme Court regarding a contempt notice, questioning why contempt proceedings should not be initiated for breaching a previous undertaking to the court.
On February 27, the Supreme Court barred Patanjali Ayurved from advertising medicines for ailments like blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, asthma, and obesity, and issued a contempt notice against the company and Acharya Balkrishna.
Despite assurances in November 2023 that it would refrain from making unsubstantiated medical claims, Patanjali continued to release misleading advertisements.
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In its affidavit, the company attributed the inadvertent inclusion of “offending sentences” in advertisements released post-November 2023 to clearance by the Media Department, unaware of the Supreme Court’s order.
Patanjali pledged to prevent such advertisements in the future, emphasizing its intent to promote healthier living through Ayurvedic products rooted in ancient literature and backed by research.
The company criticized the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954, as “archaic,” noting that the last amendment occurred in 1996. It also highlighted the outdated nature of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, which lacks consideration for scientific advancements in Ayurveda.
Patanjali reiterated its commitment to improving citizens’ health and reducing the burden on healthcare infrastructure through evidence-based Ayurvedic solutions.
The company clarified that its advertising endeavors aimed to promote Ayurvedic products grounded in traditional knowledge and supported by scientific research.
