Supreme Court Closes Contempt Proceedings Against Ramdev and Patanjali

Supreme Court Closes Contempt Proceedings Against Ramdev and Patanjali

The Supreme Court of India, on Tuesday, closed the contempt proceedings against yoga guru Ramdev, his aide Balkrishna, and Patanjali Ayurved Limited after accepting the apologies they tendered in connection with misleading advertisements. The court's decision came following a plea filed by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) alleging a smear campaign against the COVID vaccination drive and modern systems of medicine.

  • Important Points:
    • The Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah, had reserved its order on May 14 regarding the contempt notice issued to Ramdev, Balkrishna, and Patanjali Ayurved Ltd.
    • The IMA's plea highlighted concerns over advertisements issued by Patanjali that allegedly violated the firm’s earlier undertaking to the court about the advertisement of its products and their medicinal efficacy.
    • On February 27, the Supreme Court issued notices to Patanjali Ayurved and managing director Balkrishna to explain why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against them for allegedly violating the court's earlier directive.
    • The apex court, in its order on March 19, expressed concerns over media statements issued by Patanjali, noting that they were contrary to the assurances given to the court.
    • Patanjali Ayurved's counsel had previously assured the court on November 21, 2023, that the company would not violate any laws, particularly those related to advertising or branding of its products, and would refrain from making casual statements about medicinal efficacy.
    • Despite the assurance, subsequent statements by Patanjali triggered the contempt notice, leading to the latest legal proceedings.
    • The Supreme Court's closure of the contempt proceedings is based on the undertakings and apologies provided by Ramdev, Balkrishna, and Patanjali Ayurved Ltd.

The court's decision marks the conclusion of this chapter in the ongoing scrutiny of advertising practices in the health and wellness sector, particularly those involving high-profile figures like Ramdev and his Patanjali brand.