The Supreme Court, on Tuesday, concluded arguments and deferred its decision in the contempt of court case lodged against Patanjali Ayurved, along with its founders Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna, concerning the company's deceptive advertising practices.
A Bench comprising Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah waived the requirement for Ramdev and Balkrishna to appear in person after it was assured that an affidavit would be submitted outlining the measures taken to remove the current misleading advertisements of Patanjali products.
The affidavit, due to be submitted within three weeks, will also outline the actions taken to recall Patanjali products whose licenses have been suspended.
The Court was addressing a case brought forth by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) against Patanjali Ayurved regarding its misleading advertisements that denigrated modern medicine.
Senior Advocate Balbir Singh, representing Ramdev and Balkrishna, informed the Court today that Patanjali has corresponded with all platforms still airing its advertisements, and has ceased the sale of banned products.
Singh also requested that his clients be excused from personally appearing before the Court. In response, the Bench stated,
"We will dispense with their presence...we will be reserving orders. File your affidavit, it will make a difference."
After reserving orders in the contempt matter, the Court said, "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."
After reserving orders in the contempt matter, the Court stated that Solicitor General Tushar Mehta then informed the Court that Ramdev has contributed significantly to the promotion of yoga.
Initially, the Court's attention in this case centered on Patanjali's misleading advertisements, prompting the Court to impose a temporary ban. Additionally, it scrutinized the regulatory authorities' failure to take action against Patanjali. Furthermore, the focus was on delineating the corrective measures to be undertaken by Patanjali and its promoters, Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna.
However, the Court's focus later broadened to encompass several larger issues, such as misleading advertisements by other consumer goods suppliers, as well as unethical practices within modern medicine.
Last week, the Bench issued a warning, stating that social media influencers and celebrities would be held equally responsible and accountable if they are found endorsing products or services in misleading advertisements.
The Court took critical note of the fact that despite the prohibition, advertisements for Patanjali products, which had been banned, were still accessible on certain online platforms. Additionally, the Court emphasized that the company should not be permitted to sell products for which licenses had been suspended.
