Yoga guru Ramdev and the managing director of Patanjali Ayurved, Acharya Balkrishna, have submitted an unconditional apology to the Supreme Court for failing to adhere to the undertaking given in the misleading advertisements case. The apology, tendered on Saturday, prompted the Supreme Court to schedule another hearing on the matter for tomorrow, where Ramdev and Balkrishna have been summoned to appear.
The court’s decision followed its rejection of earlier apologies from Ramdev and Balkrishna, deeming them “incomplete and mere lip service.” The court had granted them a “last opportunity” on April 2 to file a proper affidavit within a week.
Patanjali Ayurved had previously assured the Supreme Court that it would not contravene any laws, particularly those governing advertising or product branding. However, the court observed an “absolute defiance” on their part in not upholding the undertaking made before it in the case brought by the Indian Medical Association.
In their affidavit submitted on Saturday, Ramdev and Balkrishna expressed sincere regret for the lapse and pledged not to repeat it. They reiterated their commitment to comply with the court’s directives and vowed to uphold the majesty of law and justice.
During the April 2 hearing, the court admonished Patanjali Ayurved, Ramdev, and Balkrishna for their non-compliance with the undertaking, warning of potential contempt proceedings. The court emphasized the seriousness of the matter and stressed the importance of adhering to court orders.