On April 3, 2024, the Supreme Court issued a stern rebuke to Patanjali Ayurved, its Managing Director Acharya Balkrishna, and co-founder Baba Ramdev in a case concerning misleading advertisements. The bench, comprising Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah, presided over a petition filed by the Indian Medical Association regarding Patanjali’s advertisements disparaging allopathic medicine and claiming to cure certain diseases.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the affidavit submitted by Balkrishna, the court rejected the explanation provided and expressed its disapproval. Additionally, the court questioned the Ministry of AYUSH about its inaction against Patanjali for advertisements undermining contemporary medicine.
Nevertheless, the Supreme Court granted Ramdev and Balkrishna one final opportunity to file an affidavit within one week.
This development underscores the judiciary’s commitment to upholding truth and transparency in advertising practices, particularly in the healthcare sector. It also serves as a reminder to companies and individuals to adhere to ethical standards in their promotional activities, ensuring the protection of consumers’ interests and well-being.
Date: April 3, 2024