The Supreme Court came down heavily on Patanjali Ayurved on Tuesday for its ‘misleading’ advertisements, imposing a ban on the company from promoting any product associated with diseases or medical conditions. The court expressed concern that such deceptive advertisements were misleading the entire nation.
This ruling follows a petition filed by the Indian Medical Association against Patanjali Ayurved, accusing the company of spreading deceptive advertisements.
Moreover, the Supreme Court has issued a contempt of court notice to Patanjali Ayurved and Acharya Balakrishnan for their engagement in disseminating misleading advertisements across various media platforms. They have been given a three-week period to provide a response to the notice.
During the hearing, Justices Hima Kohli and A. Amanullah criticized Patanjali Ayurved for airing advertisements despite previous court orders issued last year.
In November 2023 as well, the Supreme Court warned Patanjali that it would be fined INR 1 crore if a false claim is made that its products can “cure” certain diseases.
Continue Exploring: SC warns Patanjali over ‘false’ advertising claims
While referring to their previous warning to Patanjali, the bench said, “Despite our warning you are saying your products are better than chemical-based medicines.”
The bench decided to issue notices for contempt of court orders to the two people featured in the advertisements, Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balakrishnan. Justice Amanullah said that these individuals must file a reply and explain how they disregarded the court’s orders.
Sanghi, representing Patanjali Ayurved, defended Baba Ramdev, asserting that he is a ‘sanyasi’ who is not proficient in English. However, Justice Amanullah deemed the document containing the advertisements as contemptuous and a clear violation of the court’s orders.
Senior advocate PS Patwalia, representing the Indian Medical Association, highlighted a press conference held by Baba Ramdev following a previous Supreme Court order.
Patwalia stated that Patanjali Ayurved had released advertisements unlawfully, asserting the ability to cure different conditions such as diabetes and asthma. Patwalia also referenced a defamation lawsuit filed by Patanjali Ayurved against the Advertising Council.
Continue Exploring: Patanjali Ayurved vows adherence to advertising laws, promises Supreme Court no violations
On this matter, the top court remarked that there can’t be any defense of advertisements showing cures for illnesses including diabetes and blood pressure.
“What do you mean by permanent relief to the diseases? It means only two things – either death or cure,” the Supreme Court said, asking Patanjali Ayurved to show how they discharged their duties to tackle misleading advertisements.
During the proceedings, the bench questioned the actions taken by the Ministry of Ayush in response to the misleading advertisements.
The Additional Solicitor General (ASG) mentioned that data was being gathered on complaints and violations involving Patanjali Ayurved. Nevertheless, the bench voiced dissatisfaction with the ministry’s reply, calling for immediate action and self-regulation concerning such advertisements.
Continue Exploring: Patanjali ready to face penalties if found guilty of ‘false advertisements’, says Baba Ramdev