'Was apology same size as your ads': SC slams Patanjali
The Supreme Court on Tuesday raised questions over the "microscopic" size of Patanjali Ayurved's public apology advertisements issued in newspapers. During a hearing of the "misleading" ads case asked if the "apology was the same size as its advertisements." "We want to see that when you issue an ad it does not mean we have to see it by a microscope. It is not meant to be on paper but also read," stated the apex court.
Why does this story matter?
The top court is hearing a petition filed by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) alleging a smear campaign by Patanjali against modern systems of medicine. On February 27, the SC directed Patanjali to immediately halt all electronic and print advertisements containing "misleading information" about its products. This came after the court's warning to Patanjali in November 2023 against making "misleading" claims in advertisements.
Baba Ramdev, Acharya Balkrishna apologize to SC
The Supreme Court has further instructed Patanjali Ayurved to submit copies of their newspaper ads without enlarging them, in order to evaluate their actual size. Earlier this month, Patanjali co-founder and Yoga guru Baba Ramdev and Patanjali Ayurved Managing Director Acharya Balkrishna personally tendered their apology to the apex court after it pulled them up in a case for holding a press conference and publishing advertisements in violation of court orders.
FMCG publishing misleading ads: SC
During hearing, the SC also said that other FMCGs were also publishing misleading ads and taking the public for a ride. "This...is affecting the health of babies, school-going children and senior citizens...who have been consuming their products," Justice Kohli said. The court said that it was necessary to implead the Ministry of Consumer Affairs and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to examine steps taken by the government to prevent abuse of the Drugs and Magic Remedies Act.
Court requests IMA to provide records of actions taken
Expanding the scope of its investigation to include allopathic practioners suspected of prescribing unnecessary and costly medicines, the court asked the IMA to provide records of actions taken on complaints received against such doctors. "We are of the opinion that the petitioner association also needs to put its house in order," said the bench, referring to allegations of unethical activities among IMA members. The National Medical Commission (NMC) was also included in the case.
SC asks Centre, states to submit responses by May 7
The apex court has involved Union ministries of information & technology, consumer affairs, and drug commissioners of all states and Union Territories (UTs) in the case. The court expressed concerns about healthcare advertising ethics and commercial interests' influence on medical practices. It requested Centre, states, and UTs to submit their responses before May 7 when issues regarding regulatory framework to prevent misleading advertisements and unethical medical practices will be discussed separately.
