Baba Ramdev, Balkrishna tender unconditional, unqualified apology in SC

Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev has tendered unconditional and unqualified apology before the Supreme Court for advertisements published by Patanjali Ayurved despite the injuction issued on November 21, 2023 on a plea by the Indian Medical Association.

In an affidavit, 53-year-old Ramdev also sought pardon for breach of statement made before the apex court.

"I sincerely regret this lapse and I wish to assure the court that the same will not be repeated," he said.

He tendered similar apology for a press conference held on November 22, 2023 and undertook not to make any public statements which may amount to breach of undertaking recorded by the court in its order on November 21, 2023.

"I undertake and ensure that the statement (made before the court) shall be complied with in letter and spirit and no such similar advertisements shall be issued. I further tender my unconditional and unqualified for the press conference held on 22.11.2023. I regret this lapse and assure that the same will not be repeated again in future. I seek pardon for the aforesaid breach of the statement. I undertake to always uphold the Majesty of Law and Majesty of Justice," he said.

Likewise, Acharya Balkrishna also tendered unconditional and unqualified apology for breach of statement, issuance of advertisements and holding of press conference.

On April 2, 2024, a bench of Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah came down heavily upon Ramdev and Balkrishna and called them out for grossly violating the undertaking given to the highest court of the land over their advertisements.

The court had then rejected their apology in a contempt case, arising out of failure to file affidavits with regard to advertisements issued by Patanjali Ayurved on cure of various diseases.

It gave one last opportunity to the parties to file their affidavit within a week in the matter and scheduled the case for hearing on April 10.

The bench directed both Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna to remain present in the court on the next date of hearing.

The court had earlier issued contempt notice against Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna while expressing a prima facie opinion that they had violated the provisions of Section 3 and 4 of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954, read with Rule 6 of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Rules, 1955.

On March 19, the Supreme Court took an exception to failure of Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna to file a response to the contempt notice and sought their personal presence before the court on next date of hearing, April 2.

On February 27, the court had imposed a ban of advertisements of medicines Ramdev Baba's Patanjali noting that it has been taking the country for a ride by making misleading claims.

IMA had filed the plea alleging a smear campaign by Ramdev Baba and his company against the COVID-19 vaccination and modern medicine.

Cause Title: Indian Medical Association & Anr Vs Union of India & Ors