Guwahati: In a major jolt to Patanjali, the Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to accept the unconditional apology tendered by Baba Ramdev and Patanjali Ayurved MD Acharya Balkrishna, in the misleading advertisements case.
Referring to allegedly publishing misleading advertisements of Patanjali Ayurveda despite their undertaking that they would desist from the same, the court asked the duo to be ready to face action in the contempt case.
“The apology is on paper. Their back is against the wall. We decline to accept this, we consider it a deliberate violation of the undertaking”” Justice Hima Kohli said.
The court described Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna’s conduct as ‘wilful disobedience?’.
“We don’t accept it (apology), we decline to accept this. We consider it a wilful, deliberate disobedience of the undertaking,” the court added.
After senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi read out Baba Ramdev’s affidavit saying he tendered an “unconditional and unqualified” apology, the court remarked that the Supreme Court said the message must go out to the society.
“(This is) not just about one FMCG but a violation of the law. Look at your replies to state authority when they asked you to withdraw, you said HC said no coercive steps against us. We are making it a part of your conduct, the larger picture is your conduct with the public at large but saying it is in good faith,” the bench noted.
Justice Amanullah asked if the apology was “even heartfelt”. “What else needs to be said, my lords, we will. He is not (a) a professional litigant. People make mistakes in life!”
Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the Patanjali founders, replied. “Even after our orders? We don’t want to be so generous in this case,” the bench said.
The court also observed that the “contemnors” sent the affidavits to the media first.
“They believe in publicity clearly,” the court observed.
On Tuesday, Baba Ramdev, facing contempt proceedings, said he sincerely regretted the lapse and he wished to ensure that the same will not be repeated in future.
The Apex Court was hearing a petition filed by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), which alleges that Ramdev conducted a smear campaign against the COVID-19 vaccination drive and modern medicine.