Ramdev, Balkrishna Ordered to Appear in Court as SC Rejects Patanjali's Apology Again

New Delhi - April 23 : The Supreme Court has once again rejected the apology offered by Baba Ramdev and Patanjali Ayurved in a case concerning misleading advertisements against allopathic medicines. The court has ordered both Ramdev and Patanjali co-founder Acharya Balkrishna to appear in person on April 30th.

This marks the third time the Supreme Court has refused to accept Patanjali's apology. The court expressed concerns about the size and placement of the apology advertisements in newspapers, questioning if they were as prominent as the original misleading ads.

The hearing also saw the Supreme Court broaden the investigation. The court demanded answers from the central government regarding actions taken against other companies using misleading advertisements for healthcare products. Additionally, the court questioned the Indian Medical Association (IMA) on the practice of doctors prescribing expensive, specific brands of medicines. Further, the National Medical Commission was asked about regulations to revoke licenses of doctors who knowingly prescribe such medications. Drug licensing authorities from all states have also been included in the case.

This follows previous rejections of Patanjali's apology on April 10th and April 2nd. The bench, led by Justice Hima Kohli, expressed strong disapproval of the initial violation of an assurance given to the court and the subsequent apology. The court demanded a more sincere response through a formal affidavit.