The Supreme Court, situated in New Delhi, expressed dissatisfaction with the apology tendered by R V Asokan, the president of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), on Tuesday. The justices highlighted that they do not respond to critiques of their judgments, emphasizing their lack of personal ego. They iterated their magnanimity and explained that they rarely take action against such criticisms.
During the proceedings, a bench comprising justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah addressed Asokan directly, asserting that he must be held accountable for his actions as a citizen of the country. They questioned the rationale behind his criticism of the court’s decisions and reminded him of the responsibility associated with his position.
Asokan, appearing in the courtroom in response to a notice from Patanjali Ayurved seeking contempt action against him, offered an unconditional apology. However, the bench remained dissatisfied with his demeanor.
Referring to an affidavit submitted by Asokan, the bench expressed disappointment at his lack of discretion during the interview and criticized his choice of words. Despite the apology, Justice Kohli expressed skepticism about its sincerity, given the severity of Asokan’s earlier statements.
Furthermore, the bench noted that the IMA president’s behavior contradicted his role as a petitioner in the case involving Swami Ramdev. They questioned the authenticity of his apology and emphasized the seriousness of his actions.
Justice Kohli emphasized the importance of setting a good example, especially considering Asokan’s influential position within the medical community. The bench criticized Asokan for not publicly apologizing sooner and questioned the sincerity of his remorse.
Senior advocate P S Patwalia, representing the IMA, pleaded for leniency, emphasizing Asokan’s reputation as a respected doctor. However, the bench remained unconvinced and reserved its decision on the matter.
Meanwhile, senior advocate Balbir Singh, representing Ramdev and Balkrishna, requested exemption from personal appearance for his clients. The bench agreed and reserved its order on the contempt charges.
The bench underscored the significance of informed decision-making among the public and urged Ramdev to wield his influence responsibly. While acknowledging Ramdev’s contributions to yoga, they cautioned against endorsing Patanjali products indiscriminately.
Earlier, on May 7, the bench had strongly criticized Asokan for his disparaging remarks about the apex court in a recent interview. The court was hearing a plea filed by the IMA in 2022 alleging a smear campaign by Patanjali and Ramdev against the COVID vaccination drive and modern medicine.