AERIAL VIEW
It’s noteworthy that the court aimed to avoid turning the case into an “Allopathy vs Ayurveda” debate. Instead, it sought to address the core issue — misleading medical advertisements.
The bench requested the Government of India (GOI) to provide suitable recommendations after consultations.
This incident is not the first time Baba Ramdev has faced scrutiny for his comments and his company’s advertising policies. In May 2021, Ramdev openly criticized allopathic medicines’ role in treating COVID-19, suggesting that more people died from allopathic treatment than from oxygen shortage or the virus itself. The IMA promptly served him a defamation notice for his remarks and demanded an apology.
SURAJ NANDREKAR
Editor, Goemakrponn
The Supreme Court on Tuesday came down heavily on Patanjali Ayurved over ‘misleading’ advertisements and banned the company from advertising any product related to diseases or other medical conditions.
The Supreme Court said the “entire country was being taken for a ride” through such misleading advertisements.
This ruling follows a petition filed by the Indian Medical Association against Patanjali Ayurved’s alleged dissemination of misleading advertisements.
Furthermore, the Supreme Court has served a contempt of court notice to Patanjali Ayurved and Acharya Balakrishnan for their involvement in spreading misleading advertisements across various media platforms. They have been granted a three-week period to respond to the notice.
It’s noteworthy that the court aimed to avoid turning the case into an “Allopathy vs Ayurveda” debate. Instead, it sought to address the core issue — misleading medical advertisements.
The bench requested the Government of India (GOI) to provide suitable recommendations after consultations.
This incident is not the first time Baba Ramdev has faced scrutiny for his comments and his company’s advertising policies. In May 2021, Ramdev openly criticized allopathic medicines’ role in treating COVID-19, suggesting that more people died from allopathic treatment than from oxygen shortage or the virus itself. The IMA promptly served him a defamation notice for his remarks and demanded an apology.
“Allopathy is a stupid and bankrupt science. First Chloroquine failed, then Remdesivir failed, then their antibiotics failed, then steroids, now a ban has been imposed on plasma therapy. Now they are prescribing Fabiflu which too has failed,” said Baba Ramdev.
Ramdev’s critique extended to calling allopathy a “stupid and bankrupt science.” He questioned the efficacy of various treatments, including Chloroquine, Remdesivir, antibiotics, steroids, and plasma therapy. Such statements drew criticism from the then Chief Justice of India, NV Ramana, who advised Ramdev to exercise restraint and refrain from criticizing other medical systems.
Baba Ramdev, a prominent figure in India, co-founded Patanjali alongside his aide Balkrishna in 2006. Since then, the company has transformed into a multi-billion dollar enterprise. However, Patanjali’s recent run-ins with the Supreme Court highlight the need for responsible advertising and caution against making unverified claims in the sensitive field of healthcare.
As legal proceedings unfold, it remains to be seen how this episode will impact Patanjali’s standing in the market and the public’s perception of Baba Ramdev’s brand of Ayurveda.
The clash between traditional practices and modern scrutiny underscores the delicate balance between promoting cultural heritage and adhering to ethical standards, especially in an industry as sensitive as healthcare.
Goans too would be confused after the court observations as Patanjali has several stores in Goa including Panaji, Mapusa, Calangute, Porvorim and many other places.
Many of the Goans are Yoga Guru’s followers.
In February 2023, the Miramar beach in Panjim was a sea of yoga participants led by yoga guru Swami Ramdev Baba, who will conduct a three-day yoga camp.
The response on the first day was more than the organisers had expected. Everyone, from children to senior citizens, yogis, sadhaks attended the camp. Citizens interested in yoga travelled from all the talukas to Panjim.