Misleading ad case: Ramdev, Balkrishna issue 2nd public apology, this time a bigger one

In the wake of the Supreme Court's continued displeasure with Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna-led Patanjali Ayurved's public apology in the 'misleading advertisement' case, the duo has issued another apology, this time a bigger and more prominent one, in an effort to avert legal action from the apex court.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday had asked Baba Ramdev's Patanjali Ayurved to put out a "big and prominent" public apology, like its advertisements. The SC directive also said the company must cut out the apologies published in newspapers and submit them in the court without enlarging.

Following the court order, the company put out another public apology today titled 'Unconditional Public Apology'. It said: “In wake of on going matter before the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India (Writ Petition C. No. 645/2022), we in our individual capacity as well as on behalf of the Company, unconditionally apologise for the non-compliance or disobedience of directions/ orders of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India.”

“We unconditionally extend the apology for holding meeting/press conference dated 22.11.2023. We earnestly apologize for the mistake made in publishing our advertisements and it is our whole- hearted commitment that such errors will not be repeated. We undertake to abide by directions and instructions of the Hon’ble Court with due care and utmost sincerity. We undertake to uphold the majesty of the court and comply with applicable laws and directions of the Hon’ble Court of law/relevant authorities.”

The public apology bears the names of Patanjali Ayurved, Acharya Balkrishna, and Baba Ramdev.

The earlier public apology issued by the company was much smaller in size as compared to the latest one, which came following the SC rap. On April 22, 2024, Patanjali's ad said: "Patanjali Ayurved fully respects the dignity of the Hon'ble Supreme Court. We sincerely apologize for the mistake of publishing advertisements and holding a press conference even after our advocates made a statement in the apex court. We are committed to not let such a mistake be repeated even in the future. we reassure you that we shall remain committed to uphold the constitution and the dignity of the Hon'ble Supreme Court."

A bench led by Justice Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah was hearing a petition filed by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) against an alleged campaign by Patanjali Ayurved against COVID-19 vaccination and modern medicines. Justice Kohli asked senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Patanjali Ayurved’s founders, if their public apologies were of the same size as their earlier ads. After Rohatgi responded in negative, he was asked to issue another public apology.

In February this year, the apex court barred Patanjali Ayurved from advertising or marketing products with misleading claims regarding certain critical diseases. The bench had said the company was taking the “country for a ride” by making misleading claims without “empirical evidence”. The apex court also pulled up the government for not keeping a check on such ads. It said Patanjali Ayurved can't advertise any product that claims to cure ailments specified in the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act.

Shares of Patanjali Foods, a subsidiary of Patanjali Ayurved, are trading 3.25% up at Rs 1,536 on the NSE today.