By – Prakarsh Kastwar
Baba Ramdev apology : In highly worded remarks, the court stated that the “apology on paper” was issued only because their “back was against the wall”.
New Delhi : The Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected Baba Ramdev and Patanjali Ayurved MD Acharya Balkrishna’s unconditional apologies in the misleading ads case.
In significantly worded remarks, the court stated that the “apology on paper” was issued only when their “back was against the wall”.
The court requested Patanjali Ayurveda to be prepared to face contempt charges after they reportedly published false advertisements despite their promise to stop doing so.
“There’s a written apology. They have the wall to their back. Judge Hima Kohli stated, “We refuse to accept this, we consider it a deliberate violation of the undertaking.”
The behavior of Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna were deemed as deliberate disobedience by the court.
“We decline to accept this; we do not accept it (the apology). We view it as willful and intentional disregard for the undertaking,” the court continued.
After senior lawyer Mukul Rohatgi read Baba Ramdev’s affidavit, in which he offered a “unconditional and unqualified” apology, the court stated that the message must be communicated to society.
The court also noted that the “contemnors” had sent the affidavits to the media first. The court stated, “They clearly believe in publicity.”
The Supreme Court has scheduled further action against them on April 16.
Meanwhile, the court chastised Uttarakhand’s state licensing authority officials for “pushing the file” to postpone action on allegations against Divya Pharmacy and slipping into a slumber since 2018.
What did Baba Ramdev tell the court on Tuesday ?
On Tuesday, Baba Ramdev, who is facing contempt charges, stated that he truly regretted the breach and promised that it would not happen again in the future.
“I request pardon for the aforementioned infringement of the statement. “I undertake to always uphold the majesty of law and justice,” his affidavit stated.
He also stated that no commercials touting remedies for ailments will be published. Baba Ramdev also issued an unequivocal and unqualified apology for the press conference held on November 22, 2023.
Acharya Balkrishna stated that he will ensure that such offensive advertisements are not issued in the future and that he will be more cautious going forward.
In the most recent hearing, a bench of Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah ordered the couple to produce new affidavits within a week and appear in person before the court.
Last month, the court summoned Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna after the company failed to answer to a show cause order issued in contempt proceedings against them for misleading ads.
The court also found that they had breached the high court’s November 2023 order.