Patanjali misleading ads case: SC grills Ramdev, asks if apology same size as ads

The Supreme Court during the hearing of the misleading ads case against Patanjali Ayurved, on Tuesday, asked if the size of the apology it put out in newspapers was similar to its full-page advertisements of its products.  

Patanjali has published an apology in 67 newspapers, stating that it had the utmost respect for the court and their mistakes would not be repeated. 

"Has the apology been published prominently? Same font and size as your earlier advertisements?" Justice Hima Kohli asked. 

Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Patanjali founders Ramdev and aide Balkrishna said the company had spent lakhs, to which the court replied, “We are not bothered.”

Rohatgi also said they have filed a fresh set of apologies before the court. However, the bench asked why the apologies were filed yesterday and that it should have been done earlier. 

The court noted that it has received an application seeking a ₹ 1000 crore fine against the Indian Medical Association (IMA) for its case against Patanjali. 

"Is it a proxy plea? We suspect," the bench said, as Rohatgi stressed his clients have nothing to do with it.

The Supreme Court adjourned the matter to April 30 after Ramdev said he will publish a bigger apology in newspapers.  

Patanjali Ayurved on Tuesday put out an apology in national dailies, emphasizing that they have utmost respect for the court and that their mistakes will not be repeated.

"We tender our heartfelt apology for the mistakes committed in publishing ads and holding press conferences despite the assurances by our counsel. We are committed not to repeat this mistake," the ad read.

The apex court is hearing petition filed by Indian Medical Association (IMA) alleging a smear campaign by Patanjali against allopathy medicines.