Patanjali Ads are misleading: SC, issues contempt notices to Ramdev, Balkrishna

The Supreme Court, on Marcg 19, directed Patanjali managing director Acharya Balkrishna and yoga guru Baba Ramdev to appear before the court within two weeks in response to misleading advertisements.

The court, led by justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah, expressed dissatisfaction with the disregard for its previous order issued on February 27.

• Despite an undertaking in November last year, Patanjali and Balkrishna were called upon to explain their actions regarding the continued dissemination of misleading advertisements, prompting the court to include Ramdev as a party to the proceedings due to his appearance in the ads.

SC issued contempt notices

The court issued contempt notices, questioning why such proceedings should not be initiated.

• It referred to the Rules to Regulate Proceedings for Contempt of the Supreme Court, 1975, and provisions of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954, which prohibit advertisements claiming to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent lifestyle diseases.

Mukul Rohatgi, representing Patanjali

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Patanjali, argued that Ramdev was not associated with the company, requesting the court to allow him to present his case before taking action.

The court emphasized the relevance of the 1954 Act to all parties involved, referencing previous incidents where Ramdev allegedly defied court orders.

Note:

• The Indian Medical Association had lodged complaints against Patanjali for false claims regarding disease cures and criticism of modern medicine.

In its February 27 ruling, the court restrained Patanjali from publishing misleading advertisements about the medical effectiveness of its products or disparaging other medical systems.

• It called for responses from Patanjali, Balkrishna, and the Union government regarding the allegations of misleading advertising.

About Patanjali

Patanjali is a consumer goods company is founded by Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna. The headquarters of Patanjali is located in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India.

• It is known for producing a wide range of products, including ayurvedic medicines, herbal supplements, food items, personal care products, and household items.
• The company emphasizes the use of natural and traditional ingredients in its products, drawing on principles from Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine.

Patanjali has gained significant popularity in India due to its marketing strategies, focus on natural and indigenous products, and the association with Baba Ramdev, a well-known yoga guru in the country.

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