SC summons Baba Ramdev for failing to reply to show-cause in misleading ads case

The Supreme Court has summoned yoga guru Baba Ramdev to appear in person for the next hearing for not filing a reply to a show-cause notice in contempt proceedings initiated against him.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) had filed a petition about Patanjali's "misleading and false ads" that claim cures for COVID-19, high blood pressure, and diabetes through its products.

Today's development follows the court's earlier admonishment of the central government for its failure to restrain Patanjali Ayurved from publishing misleading advertisements.

In the hearing today, according to Bar & Bench, the court allowed the government to file a fresh reply. The court order stated that Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna are prima facie in violation of Sections 3 and 4 of the Drugs and Remedies Act.

In its order on February 27, the Supreme Court criticised the government's inaction since a previous order in November 2023. The court had expressed displeasure over Patanjali's advertisements, which purported to offer permanent cures for various health conditions, including those regulated by the Drugs Act.

The bench, consisting of Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice Hima Kohli, not only directed Patanjali to cease making such claims in its advertisements but also initiated contempt of court proceedings against co-owners Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balakrishnan on February 27.

The court had issued a show cause notice to both individuals, demanding an explanation within two weeks.

The SC, on November 21, 2023, issued a warning to Patanjali Ayurved for persistently publishing misleading claims and advertisements against modern systems of medicine. The court said it could impose fines of up to ₹1 crore on each product if a false claim is made regarding its ability to 'cure' a specific disease.

While the court's scrutiny targets Patanjali Ayurved, it is important to note that the order does not affect Patanjali Foods Ltd, a listed entity under the Patanjali umbrella, which sells a range of food products.