SC questions Baba Ramdev on Patanjali misleading ads, demands clarification.

In the ongoing Patanjali misleading ads case, the Supreme Court questioned Baba Ramdev and his associate Acharya Balkrishna. They were asked about the apologies published in newspapers if they matched the misleading ads. The bench, comprising Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah, inquired about Patanjali's actions since the last hearing. Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Patanjali, stated that they issued a public apology in 67 newspapers, clarifying the matter. However, the bench questioned whether the apology was as prominent as the misleading ads, to which Rohatgi mentioned a Rs 10 lakh expenditure on the apology. Despite the clarification, the bench expressed indifference. Additionally, the court addressed an application seeking a Rs 1,000 crore fine against the Indian Medical Association (IMA), emphasizing that Patanjali was not involved in it. Baba Ramdev assured the court of a more significant apology to be published in newspapers.

Ahead of their Supreme Court appearance, Patanjali issued a public apology in newspapers, expressing respect for the court's dignity and acknowledging their mistake in publishing ads, and holding a press conference after their advocates' statement. They vowed to avoid such errors in the future and uphold the Constitution and the court's dignity.

The court also urged the IMA, which filed the petition against Patanjali, to address its internal issues. They pointed out numerous complaints regarding the IMA's alleged unethical conduct, including the recommendation of expensive and unnecessary medicines.