Patanjali's Acharya Balkrishna issues apology to SC, vows to cease misleading advertisements

Delhi: Patanjali Ayurved, under the leadership of MD Acharya Balkrishna, has tendered an apology to the Supreme Court, acknowledging the breach of trust caused by misleading advertisements and critiques of modern medicine. In response to the court's summon on March 19, Balkrishna submitted an affidavit expressing regret for the disregard of the court's directives issued on November 21, 2023.

The affidavit issued by Balkrishna contained an unequivocal apology, stating, "The Deponent on behalf of Respondent No. 5 submits an unqualified apology before this Hon'ble Court for the breach of the statement recorded in the order of November 21, 2023." Furthermore, Balkrishna asserted a commitment to preventing the dissemination of similar misleading advertisements in the future.

The intention behind Patanjali's advertisements, as clarified in the affidavit, is to encourage citizens to adopt healthier lifestyles by incorporating the company's products, rooted in ancient literature and bolstered by ayurvedic research, to address lifestyle ailments. This clarification was provided not as a defence but to elucidate their motive.

This apology follows the Supreme Court's reprimand on February 27, where Patanjali Ayurved was barred from advertising medicines with misleading claims. The court criticised both Patanjali and the government for negligence, with the bench expressing dismay at the nation being misled while authorities remained inactive.

The contempt notices against Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna were issued by the top court due to Patanjali's persistence in flouting previous court orders and continuing deceptive advertising practices. The company's counsel had previously assured the court on November 21, 2023, that they would adhere strictly to all laws, particularly concerning advertising and branding, and refrain from making misleading statements regarding medicinal efficacy or disparaging any system of medicine.