Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna, the Managing Director of Patanjali Ayurved Ltd, extended an "unqualified and unconditional apology" before the Supreme Court on Tuesday.
In a sincere gesture, Baba Ramdev expressed, "We tender an unconditional and unqualified apology for whatever mistake we made," before a bench headed by Justice Hima Kohli.
The Bench, also comprising Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah, questioned their assertion regarding the efficacy of other forms of medicine. "Will you say that other forms of medicine are not ‘up to the mark’ and ‘should be discarded’? Why would you say that?" they asked.
Baba Ramdev clarified that Patanjali aimed to make Ayurveda an evidence-based medicine system and reiterated that he was not criticizing anyone.
The apex court pressed further, emphasizing their conduct. "If you have conducted research, then you will prove it before the interdisciplinary committee formed by the Union government," they stated, referring to the previous commitment made by Patanjali not to disparage other medicines or treatments.
Baba Ramdev humbly acknowledged his lapse in judgment, expressing regret: "I should have not made such public statements and would be more careful in the future."
In a similar vein, Acharya Balkrishna acknowledged the mistake and pledged greater vigilance in the future.
However, the Supreme Court raised concerns over the continued publication of misleading advertisements and a press conference held by Patanjali soon after their lawyer furnished an undertaking last November.
Despite assurances from Patanjali earlier, promising not to make casual statements regarding the medicinal efficacy of its products, the top court expressed dissatisfaction.
Baba Ramdev clarified that there was no intention to breach the undertaking furnished before the Supreme Court.
After discussions, the apex court stated that it would consider the unconditional apology, emphasizing that it has not condoned the conduct of Ramdev and Balkrishna.
Senior advocate Mukul Rohtagi, representing the contemnors, assured the court that Patanjali would take voluntary steps to demonstrate its goodwill and requested the matter to be listed after one week.
It was decided that Ramdev and Balkrishna would appear in person on the next date of listing.
Meanwhile, the Indian Medical Association has sought action against Patanjali for alleged violations of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954, which prohibits the advertisement of certain products for the treatment of specified diseases and disorders.
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