Despite warnings and court orders, Patanjali persisted in falsely claiming its medicine could cure COVID-19. However, this did not go well with the Indian apex court, the Supreme Court. Here we share everything about Patanjali misleading ads from the very beginning to the recent Supreme Court hearing where Patanjali co-founders Ramdev and Balakrishna were asked to be present in court for not filing proper affidavits for the misleading advertisements.
Who Filled a Petition against Patanjali for its Misleading Advertisements?
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) filed a plea, alleging a smear campaign by the company Patajanli Ayurved against modern medicine. The IMA sought action against Patanjali for criticizing modern medicine and making unsubstantiated claims in their advertisements, leading to a legal battle that involved the Supreme Court and highlighted concerns over false and misleading advertising practices in the healthcare sector.
The Beginning of the Patanjali Ads Case
The first petition was filed in mid-2022 after Patanjali published an advertisement in July which the IMA said sought to “promote traditional medicine by disparaging allopathy” and “continuous, systematic and unabated dissemination of misinformation” regarding the modern medicines.
On November 21, 2023, the Supreme Court delivered a stern warning to Patanjali Ayurved, demanding an immediate stop to misleading claims and advertisements targeting modern systems of medicine. (Source)
The apex court, in response to a petition by the Indian Medical Association, ordered Patanjali Ayurved to cease all deceptive advertisements immediately, warning of potential fines of up to Rs 1 crore for false claims of curing diseases.
Supreme Court’s Firm Directive against Patanjali
On February 27, 2024, the Supreme Court issued a directive restraining Patanjali Ayurved from discrediting allopathy in its advertisements and from promoting products that claimed to cure chronic conditions with misleading information. (Source)
The Court took a firm stance against the dissemination of false information and misleading claims in Patanjali’s advertising campaigns, particularly regarding the efficacy of its medicinal products. Additionally, the Court criticized the government for its inaction in addressing the issue promptly, emphasizing the need for immediate action to rectify the situation.
The Negligence of SC’s Notice by Patanjali
Despite promising the apex court that it would not violate any laws related to the branding or advertising of its products, Patanjali was found to be in violation.
So, on March 19, 2024, the Supreme Court issued an order for the personal appearance of Acharya Balkrishna and Baba Ramdev after they neglected to submit a response to the contempt notice regarding misleading advertisements by Patanjali Ayurved. The Court expressed dissatisfaction with the explanations presented and granted Baba Ramdev a final chance to file a reply within a week. (Source)
The Latest Patanjali Hearing in The Supreme Court
On April 2, 2024, in the Supreme Court, the panel comprising Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah expressed dissatisfaction with the apology offered by Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna of Patanjali Ayurved.
“If this is indefensible, then your apology will not work. This is a gross violation of the undertaking given to the top court. You have to ensure that your undertaking which is solemn should have been adhered to…We are not willing to accept this and this is perfunctory! What is the reason to accept your apology?”
Justice Kohli remarked.
In short, The panel deemed their apology insincere and falling short of the standards expected for an unconditional apology. The panel emphasized that the apology appeared to be mere “lip service” and didn’t meet the gravity of violating a solemn commitment made to the highest court of the India.
The court firmly stated that their actions could not be taken lightly and insisted on their adherence to the commitments made.
Furthermore, the Centre and Uttarakhand government faced criticism for overlooking Patanjali’s transgressions and allowing the company to regulate false claims about curing incurable diseases, including COVID-19. The solicitor general intervened to aid in drafting a suitable affidavit, acknowledging the unacceptable behaviour of Ramdev and Balkrishna.
The Supreme Court’s dismissal of their apology underscores the court’s dedication to upholding legal standards and ensuring accountability in cases involving misleading advertisements, as evidenced in the ongoing legal dispute initiated by the Indian Medical Association.
Ongoing Meme Fest on Social Media
The apex court’s rebuke to Baba Ramdev sparked a meme fest on social media with users criticising Baba Ramdev for his irresponsible remarks.
The users of social reacted to the Supreme Court ruling with tons of memes and criticized Baba Ramdev and Patanjali Ayurved’s managing director Acharya Balkrishna for their unscientific claims and for spreading misinformation, especially during Covid-19.
Also Read: Know About 99 Cases Filed Against Baba Ramdev’s Patanjali (Yogpeeth & Patanjali Ayurved)
