A day after the Supreme Court pulled up Baba Ramdev, Acharya Balkrishna and Patanjali Ayurved for its small-sized apology advertisement, a second apology, comparatively bigger in size, was published in newspapers on Wednesday.
The ad, spanning one-fourth of a newspaper page, is titled “Unconditional Public Apology” and expresses regret for non-compliance with the court’s orders. It specifically mentions the date of a meeting/press conference and extends apologies on behalf of the company and its representatives, including Ramdev and Balkrishna. The note pledges to rectify past mistakes and assures adherence to the court’s directives and applicable laws.
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court bench, comprising Justice Hima Kohli and Justice A Amanullah, expressed dissatisfaction with the size and prominence of the apology. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Ramdev and Balkrishna, informed the court that the ad had been published in 67 newspapers at a cost of Rs 10 lakh. Despite this, the court reiterated its insistence on receiving the apology in its actual size without enlargement.
The case stems from a controversial launch of the drug Coronil by Patanjali during the COVID-19 pandemic, accompanied by misleading claims about its efficacy and certifications. Subsequent advertisements by Patanjali, alleging misconceptions spread by allopathy and false claims of curing various diseases, drew ire from the medical community, leading to legal action.
The advertisement published on Wednesday
The court’s scrutiny intensified after Patanjali’s failure to respond adequately to a contempt notice, prompting a stern rebuke for their “absolute defiance”. The apologies tendered by Ramdev and Balkrishna were deemed insincere and lacking in genuine remorse, leading the court to demand a more heartfelt demonstration of their intent to apologise.
The matter is set to be heard again on April 30, with Ramdev and Balkrishna summoned to appear in person. As the legal battle continues, the Supreme Court remains resolute in holding Patanjali accountable for its misleading advertisements and ensuring compliance with the law.
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