Politics

Supreme Court Slams Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna, Rejects Apology for ‘Wilful Disobedience

The Supreme Court rejected Baba Ramdev and Patanjali Ayurved MD Acharya Balkrishna’s unconditional apologies on Wednesday in the case involving deceptive ads. The court stated that their “back is against the wall” as to why they gave the “apology on paper” in sharply worded observations. The court stated in sharply worded notes that their “back against the wall” is the only reason for the “apology on paper” being given.

The court instructed Patanjali Ayurveda and its representative to be prepared for action in the contempt case, citing the former’s alleged publication of deceptive advertisements despite their promise to stop doing so. “There’s a written apology. They have the wall to their back. Judge Hima Kohli stated, “We refuse to accept this; we consider it a deliberate violation of the undertaking.”

The actions of Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna were deemed deliberate disobedience by the court. “We reject this; we do not accept this (apologies). We view it as a willful, intentional breach of the agreement,” the court continued. The Supreme Court declared that the message needed to reach society after senior attorney Mukul Rohatgi read aloud Baba Ramdev’s affidavit, in which he expressed his “unconditional and unqualified” remorse.

Additionally, the court noted that the affidavits were initially submitted to the media by the “contemnors.” The judge noted, “It is evident that they believe in publicity.” FConfined to a room with contempt proceedings, Baba Ramdev apologized on Tuesday for the lapse and promised to make sure it happens no more. “I respectfully beg your pardon for the previously mentioned infraction. In his affidavit, he promised to “always uphold the majesty of law and the majesty of justice.”

He added that there would be no publication of ads promising medical solutions. Additionally, Baba Ramdev expressed his sincere regret for the press conference he gave on November 22, 2023. Acharya Balkrishna pledged to increase his vigilance moving forward and to ensure that such disrespectful advertisements are not published again. Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah, the judges on the bench during the prior session, asked both parties to provide updated affidavits and make an in-person appearance before the court within a week.

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The court asked the corporation to come before it last month since it was not able to provide a response to its show cause notice in the contempt proceedings against Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna for their misleading advertisements. Additionally, the court noted that they appeared to have broken the November 2023 ruling of the highest court.