1. The Supreme Court exempts Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna from attending court hearings in person.
2. The case involves allegations of misleading advertisements by Patanjali Ayurved.
3. The decision is a key development in the ongoing legal battle against Patanjali’s advertising practices.
New Delhi, May 14: On Tuesday, the Supreme Court granted yoga guru Baba Ramdev and Patanjali Ayurved managing director Acharya Balkrishna exemption from attending court hearings in person concerning the misleading advertisements case.
This decision marks a significant development in the ongoing legal battle involving Patanjali Ayurved and its controversial advertising practices.
The bench, comprising Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah, took this decision while reserving its order on contempt notices issued to Baba Ramdev and others.
The court mandated Patanjali to submit a detailed affidavit within three weeks outlining the steps taken to remove existing misleading advertisements for its products.
Additionally, the affidavit should include measures implemented to recall ads for products whose licenses have been suspended.
“We are reserving orders on the contempt plea and dispensing the presence of both Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna. We need a detailed affidavit explaining the steps taken to recall advertisements and also for the withdrawal of banned products from the respective stores,” the Supreme Court stated.
Justice Amanullah emphasized the importance of synergy between allopathy and Ayurveda, stressing the need for the public to be well-informed.
Addressing the counsel representing Baba Ramdev, Justice Amanullah pointed out, “Your client had to go to AIIMS two years back for a heart ailment. Baba Ramdev has a lot of aastha, and it should not be taken for granted. He should use it wisely.”
The court highlighted Baba Ramdev’s influence and the responsibility that comes with it, saying, “Public is cognisant, if they have choices, they make well-informed choices… Baba Ramdev has a lot of influence, use it in the right way.”
Senior advocate Balbir Singh, representing Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna, informed the court that Patanjali had ceased the sale of banned products in both offline and online markets.
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“We have ads running in 500 odd places, including channels. We are asking them to bring it down. We are seeking withdrawal of banned products,” Singh stated.
The Supreme Court is hearing a plea filed by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), which accuses Patanjali and its representatives of conducting a smear campaign against the Covid vaccination drive and modern medical practices.
The IMA alleges that such campaigns are not only misleading but also potentially harmful to public health, particularly during a global pandemic.
This case underscores the tension between traditional and modern medical practices in India, highlighting the need for balanced and responsible communication with the public.
The court’s directive for a detailed affidavit from Patanjali indicates a move towards ensuring accountability and transparency in advertising practices.
The exemption granted to Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna from personal court appearances allows them to focus on compliance measures and to rectify the alleged misleading advertisements.
As the Supreme Court reserves its final order, the outcome of this case could have significant implications for advertising standards and consumer protection in India, particularly concerning health-related products and services.
The emphasis on responsible use of influence by public figures like Baba Ramdev is a crucial aspect of this ongoing legal discourse.
