Baba Ramdev: During the hearing of the contempt case against Patanjali Ayurved in relation to the deceptive ads of the company’s medicinal products, the Supreme Court harshly criticized Baba Ramdev on Tuesday, telling him he was “not so innocent”. He was also chastised by the court for his “irresponsible behaviour”.
Hearing Schedule and Apology Deadline Set by Court
Judges Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah, who make up the two-judge bench, said that the following hearing is scheduled for April 23. Additionally, it gave the physically present Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna a week to offer their public apologies.
The “unconditional apology for the mistakes we made” was given, the yoga guru informed the court. “What we did at the time was not correct. We will kept it in mind in the future,” he added. The bench, however, said that the “law is equal for everyone. Whatever you did, you did all this following your undertaking and our order. You know you can’t advertise about incurable diseases?”
Ramdev’s Defense and Bench’s Response
Ramdev said that they ran a lot of tests in response. “This is irresponsible behaviour. Previous history of yours is damaging. We will think over it, whether to accept your apology or not. Aapne lagatar violations kiye (you have made repeated violations). You are not so innocent that you were completely unaware of what was going on in court … At this moment, we are not saying they’re off the hook,” the bench said.
Justice Amanullah’s Critique
On his part, Justice Amanullah said, “Aap dil se mafi nahe maang rahe hail (Your apology is not coming from your heart). This is not done.” Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna’s “unconditional apology” was rejected by the Supreme Court on April 10 because it stated that their acts were “wilful, deliberate, and repeated violations” of the court’s instructions.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has filed a petition against Patanjali Ayurved. The same panel of Justices Kohli and Amanullah chastised Patanjali Ayurved severely during the April 10 hearing, accusing it of “taking contempt of court proceedings lightly”. It had stated that it was “not satisfied with anything said in the affidavit” by the court.
Supreme Court Questions State Licensing Body’s Authority
The top court also questioned the state’s licensing body, “Do you have the guts to do what you are doing? ” and chastised the Uttarakhand government for granting a license for Patanjali items. You’re operating like a post office.” “We have strong objection to use of word ‘bonafide’ for officers. We are not going to take lightly. We will rip you apart,” Justice Amanullah said.