The Supreme Court has raised questions regarding the Indian Medical Association’s (IMA) approach in a lawsuit against Baba Ramdev and his company, Patanjali Ayurveda, which was accused of misleading advertising. The Court’s critical comments came after Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna personally apologized for their statements. Following their courtroom apology, Patanjali also issued an apology through newspapers.
After Patanjali’s public apology, IMA President Dr. R.V. Ashokan found himself in the crosshairs of the court during an interview. The justices, Hima Kohli and Amanullah, questioned the IMA’s actions, noting that while the association had concerns about Patanjali’s advertisements and had discussed removing their products, it did not specify the steps taken in that direction.
PS Patwalia, representing the IMA, praised the Court’s stance, although the main issue raised by the IMA President was not intended to question the Court’s methods. The justices remarked that the matter was not trivial and expressed dissatisfaction with the lawyer’s responses.
The petition against Patanjali was initiated by Acharya Balkrishna, MD of Patanjali, who has urged the Court to give them until the next hearing to consider their position. Acknowledging the oversight, the IMA President has apologized, with the Court’s decision impacting the IMA in a manner similar to Patanjali.
