Supreme Court Summons Ramdev in Contempt Case Over ‘Misleading’ Advertisements

The Supreme Court has directed Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna, Director of Patanjali Ayurveda, to appear before it personally, escalating the legal challenges the duo faces over the company’s advertising practices. The court’s demand arises from Patanjali Ayurveda’s failure to submit a response concerning its commitment to abstain from publishing any advertisements that could be misleading about its products. The apex court expressed its dissatisfaction with the firm’s disregard for the previously agreed undertaking, highlighting the gravity of the matter.

In a significant development, the Supreme Court has also issued a notice to Baba Ramdev, seeking an explanation as to why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against him. This move underscores the judiciary’s intention to hold individuals accountable for actions that potentially mislead consumers. The court’s decision to take such a stringent stance reflects the seriousness with which it views the violation of its directives.

The legal tussle between the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and Patanjali Ayurveda took a decisive turn on February 27, when the Supreme Court prohibited Patanjali from marketing its products pending further orders. This injunction came in response to a petition filed by the IMA, which accused the company of circulating ‘misleading’ advertisements. Furthermore, the court admonished Patanjali to refrain from making derogatory statements against any medical system, emphasizing the need for responsible communication about health-related products. Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah’s remarks during the hearing highlighted the court’s frustration with the delay in addressing such critical issues, pointing to the wider implications of misleading advertisements on public health and trust.

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