In adherence to the directives of the Supreme Court of India, Patanjali Ayurved Limited has formally issued a public apology for the non-compliance with the Court’s orders concerning previous misleading advertisements. The apology was published prominently across 67 national newspapers on Wednesday, making up one-fourth of each newspaper page, titled “Unconditional Public Apology”.
During the Supreme Court proceedings on Tuesday, led by Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah, queries were raised regarding the size and prominence of the apology relative to the original advertisements. Patanjali’s legal representative, Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, confirmed the extensive publication reach, ensuring that the apology was as prominent as the advertisements in question.
The official apology stated: “In wake of ongoing 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. Sincerely, Patanjali Ayurved Limited, Acharya Balkrishna, Swami Ramdev, Haridwar, Uttarakhand.”
This public apology comes in response to a legal challenge initiated in 2022 by the Indian Medical Association, which accused Patanjali Ayurved of launching a smear campaign against the Covid vaccination drive and modern medicinal practices, attributing unverified medicinal properties to their products.
The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing for April 30, 2024, where further discussions regarding the apology and Patanjali’s compliance with court orders will be conducted.