1. Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna published a new apology in major newspapers regarding misleading Patanjali ads.
2. The apology’s size was notably increased after Supreme Court criticism for lack of prominence.
3. They expressed unconditional regret for non-compliance with Supreme Court directives in the ads.
New Delhi, April 24: Yoga guru Ramdev and his aide Acharya Balkrishna issued a fresh apology in leading newspapers regarding misleading advertisements for Patanjali’s medicinal products. This time, the apology was noticeably larger following criticism from the Supreme Court.
Contents of the Apology
In the advertisement, Ramdev and Balkrishna expressed “unconditional” apologies for their personal and Patanjali Ayurved’s non-compliance with Supreme Court directives. They promised to rectify their mistakes and ensure no recurrence of such errors.
Supreme Court’s Response
During a contempt proceedings hearing, the Supreme Court questioned the size of the published apology, hinting at concerns regarding its visibility compared to full-page advertisements.
The bench emphasized the importance of ensuring the apology’s readability without the need for magnification.
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Explanation by Ramdev and Balkrishna
Ramdev and Balkrishna clarified that they published apologies in 67 newspapers, costing Rs 10 lakh, and were willing to issue additional advertisements to express their regret. They attributed the delayed apology to its submission just before the Supreme Court hearing.
Court’s Directive
The court instructed Patanjali to compile the advertisements for review, emphasizing the need for transparency regarding their size and visibility. The bench sought assurance that the apologies were easily legible, without requiring special equipment.
Background and Previous Apologies
Previously, Ramdev and Balkrishna had tendered apologies before the Supreme Court over advertisements promoting Patanjali’s products, notably Coronil, during the Covid-19 pandemic. The court had directed Patanjali to cease advertisements making dubious claims about medicinal efficacy.
In response to the Supreme Court’s rebuke, Patanjali Ayurved submitted an affidavit expressing unconditional regret. The company affirmed its commitment to promoting healthier lifestyles while refraining from misleading advertising practices.
The recent apology by Ramdev and Balkrishna underscores their acknowledgement of regulatory oversight and commitment to rectifying past mistakes.
The Supreme Court’s scrutiny highlights the importance of accountability and transparency in advertising practices, especially in the healthcare sector.
