Patanjali’s Apology to Supreme Court: A Step Towards Accountability

Patanjali Ayurved and its Managing Director, Acharya Balkrishna, have tendered an official apology to the Supreme Court regarding their misleading advertisements targeting evidence-based medicine. In an affidavit submitted to the apex court, Balkrishna expressed regret and assured that such misleading advertisements would not be released in the future.

The affidavit emphasized Patanjali’s commitment to promoting a healthier lifestyle through Ayurvedic products and claimed that these products are backed by scientific research. Balkrishna underscored that the company’s intention is solely aimed at encouraging citizens to adopt Ayurveda as a part of their lifestyle.

Furthermore, the affidavit clarified that Patanjali Ayurved products and Ayurveda itself are supported by knowledge from ancient literature, asserting their validity in contemporary times. The company pledged to refrain from repeating misleading advertisements and expressed utmost respect for the rule of law, committing to abide by it in all its endeavors.

This development comes in response to a plea filed by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), which accused Patanjali and its founder, Baba Ramdev, of conducting a smear campaign against the Covid-19 vaccination drive and modern medicine. The Supreme Court had previously warned Patanjali of heavy fines for false claims made in its advertisements promoting products claiming to treat various medical conditions.

The Court’s emphasis on the issue not being framed as a debate between allopathy/modern medicine and Ayurvedic products underscores the importance of accountability and responsible advertising practices in the healthcare sector. Patanjali’s apology marks a significant step towards ensuring transparency and ethical conduct in the promotion of healthcare products, fostering trust among consumers and stakeholders alike.

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