Patanjali Misleading Advt Case: SC Rejects Baba Ramdev, Balkrishna's Apology, Says Be Ready To Face Action

In the misleading advertisement for medicinal products case, the Supreme Court on Wednesday pulled Patanjali and rejected the "unconditional apology" tendered by Yog Guru Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna. According to the reports, the bench of Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah termed Patanjali's actions as "wilful, deliberate and repeated violations" despite the court's warning.

Patanajali's counsel, senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi told the bench that his client has admitted the mistake and has apologised for the same. However, the apex body rebuked the lawyer stating common man has to suffer because of such misleading advertisements.

"We are not blinded...We don't want to be generous in this case," the bench noted.

The court also told the Patanjali group to be ready to face action as it was a deliberate violation of the undertaking submitted earlier. The Supreme Court said, "The apology is on paper. Their back is against the wall. We decline to accept this, we consider it a deliberate violation of undertaking. Be ready for something next to rejection of the affidavit".

On Tuesday, the court ordered Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna to be present in court at the time of the hearing.

Meanwhile, Baba Ramdev, who requested an exemption from the court appearance due to his overseas travel plans, also faced the heat. "In contempt matter, when you seek exemption saying I have a ticket to travel abroad, then you are saying I don't have it? You're taking the process very lightly," the court warned Yog Guru.