New Delhi: Esteemed yoga instructor Swami Ramdev and Patanjali’s chief executive Acharya Balkrishna appeared before the Supreme Court on Tuesday, proposing to release a formal apology in major publications to navigate away from a contempt charge due to alleged disobedience of a judicial order concerning deceptive advertising related to healing claims.
Ramdev and Balkrishna stood before a panel comprising justices Hima Kohli and A Amanullah. The tribunal engaged with them in Hindi, wherein Justice Kohli acknowledged Ramdev’s contributions to promoting yoga but emphasized the commercial nature of their pharmaceutical endeavors, noting the potential harm in undermining established modern medicine.
The judges informed Ramdev that he had contravened a court directive when he conducted a press briefing following the court’s ruling in November 2023. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Ramdev and Balkrishna, confirmed they would issue a public apology.
Ramdev declared, “We offer an unconditional and unqualified apology,” emphasizing the absence of intent to offend, disrespect, or transgress judicial orders. He highlighted their reliance on clinical substantiation and regretted overstepping their bounds.
Ramdev reassured the court of his commitment to prevent recurrence. Balkrishna concurred with Ramdev’s stance, underscoring their clinical proof but reaffirming their apology. Justice Amanullah cautioned Patanjali’s founders against denigrating other medical disciplines. Ramdev acknowledged their misjudgment in comparing Ayurvedic and allopathic practices out of enthusiasm, pledging it wouldn’t occur again.
The bench noted that they had not reached a decision on accepting the apology. Ramdev recognized his influence over thousands of followers and promised increased vigilance. The bench reiterated their caution against vilifying allopathy and underscored the equal application of law.
The panel stated, “We haven’t resolved whether to absolve you,” as they noted repeated violations of court directives.
The high court observed the counsel’s representation for Ramdev and Balkrishna to remedy their actions, granting them a week’s reprieve to address the points raised during the session. The case is set for further examination on April 23.
The judges indicated that Ramdev wasn’t naive about the legal proceedings, remarking, “At this point, we aren’t exonerating them…”
The bench’s directive emphasized that Ramdev and Balkrishna would take independent action and seek legal counsel for a week’s time to respond to the court, instructing them to be present for the next session.
Ramdev and Balkrishna faced the Supreme Court due to the contempt case against Patanjali Ayurved, involving deceptive advertisements about purported cures. The court recently censured Patanjali’s founders and chastised the Uttarakhand government for failing to take action against the Haridwar-based company.
