In a recent development, the Supreme Court has taken a stern stance against Patanjali Ayurved, the renowned yoga guru Ramdev's company, for allegedly violating the undertaking it provided in court regarding its products and their medicinal efficacy.
A bench comprising justices Hima Kohli and A Amanullah has issued a notice to Patanjali Ayurved and its managing director, questioning why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against them.
This action comes in response to concerns over the company's statements and potential violation of the commitments made in court.
On November 21 last year, the counsel representing Patanjali Ayurved assured the Supreme Court that the company would refrain from any violation of the law, particularly regarding the advertising and branding of its products.
The company also pledged not to make casual statements claiming medicinal efficacy or disparaging any system of medicine in the media, whether print or electronic.
Despite this undertaking, the Supreme Court bench had cautioned Patanjali Ayurved against making "false" and "misleading" claims in its advertisements about the medicinal properties of its products, especially as a cure for various diseases.
The recent notice issued by the Supreme Court signals the court's dissatisfaction with the company's compliance with its earlier commitments. The bench has raised the possibility of initiating contempt proceedings against Patanjali Ayurved and its managing director.
As part of the ongoing legal battle, the Supreme Court has explicitly warned Patanjali Ayurved and its officers against making any adverse statements about any system of medicine in the media. This includes both print and electronic platforms, reiterating the importance of adhering to their earlier commitments.
The backdrop of these legal proceedings involves a plea by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), alleging a smear campaign by Ramdev against the vaccination drive and modern medicines. The Supreme Court is actively addressing these concerns in its hearings.