New Delhi: Patanjali Ayurved Ltd. co-founder, Ramdev extended an apology to the Supreme Court on Tuesday for publishing misleading advertisements and making derogatory remarks against allopathic medicines.
In his statement, Ramdev acknowledged the mistakes made by his company, stating, “What we did at the time was not correct. We will be conscious about it in the future.” He tendered an unconditional apology to the court, pledging to remain more vigilant and cautious in his approach going forward, as per an ANI report.
The Managing Director of Patanjali, Acharya Balkrishna joined Ramdev in extending an apology to the Apex court. Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Patanjali in court, informed the bench that the company is prepared to issue a public apology to show contrition.
The apex court said that the duo are not off the hook yet and will think about accepting their apologies.
“This is irresponsible behaviour. The previous history of yours is damaging. We will think over it, whether to accept your apology or not,” Justice Kohli said.
The bench told Ramdev that he was “not so innocent” and criticised him for his “irresponsible behaviour”.
The apex court said, “We are not saying we will forgive you. We cannot be blind to your earlier history; we will think about your apology. You are not so innocent that you were completely unaware of what was going on in Court. At this moment, we are not saying they are off the hook.”
It was hearing the contempt case against Patanjali Ayurved, Ramdev and Balkrishna in connection with the misleading advertisements of their products.
A petition filed by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) against an alleged smear campaign carried out by Patanjali and its founders against the Covid-19 vaccination drive and modern medicine.
Earlier, on two occasions they tendered unconditional and unqualified apology with regard to issue of advertisement. However, the bench had refused to accept their affidavits tendering apologies and slammed them for the misleading advertisements carry out by them and the company.
The apex court had ealier also slammed the Uttarakhand government for being “hand-in-glove” with errant licensing officers who failed to take action against Patanjali for publishing misleading advertisements.
The top court had earlier also directed Patanjali not to publish false advertisements in the future and later issued contempt of court notices to the company, Ramdev and Balkrishna.
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