Misleading Advertisements regarding Medical Cures: SC asks for the personal appearance of Baba Ramdev and the Managing Director of Patanjali Ayurved

Today, the Supreme Court (SC) of India asked for the personal appearance of Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev and Managing Director of Patanjali Ayurved Acharya Balakrishna over Patanjali Ayurved’s misleading advertisements regarding medical cures. While ordering them to appear in person, a two-judge bench of the SC comprising Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice Hima Kohli said, “How can you be in the teeth of our orders?” Earlier, the SC bench issued a contempt notice to Patanjali Ayurved for continuing to publish misleading advertisements. Further, it observed that despite the contempt notice and assurance given by Patanjali’s counsel, Patanjali continued to publish such advertisements. 

The SC, today (March 19), not only issued a contempt notice to the Co-founder of Patanjali Ayurved but also directed for his personal appearance. Justice Kohli said, “It is deemed appropriate to issue show cause notice as to why the contempt of proceedings should be issued against him in view of the fact that this court is prima facie of the opinion that he has also violated the provisions of Sections 3 and 4 of the Drugs and Magic Remedies Act.” Furthermore, the bench said, “...the proposed contemnor/Managing Director of respondent no. 5 (Patanjali) shall remain present on the next date of hearing along with the newly impleaded proposed contemnor Acharya Ramdev.” During the proceedings, Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi appeared for Patanjali Ayurved and argued against the personal appearance stating that, “How Ramdev comes into the picture?” Justice Amanullah remarked, “We had our hands tied earlier but not now. As an officer of the court, you (SA Rohatgi) should know your position.”