Supreme Court Rejects Ramdev's Apology, Slams Uttarakhand Authorities For Inaction, Says 'We Will Rip You Apart'

In a stern rebuke, the Supreme Court rejected yet another round of apologies from Patanjali founders Ramdev and Balkrishna for the company's misleading advertisements.

Justices Hima Kohli and A Amanullah remarked, "We are not blind" and "it does not want to be generous" in this case. The court slammed the Uttarakhand licensing authority for its prolonged inaction against Patanjali and expressed dissatisfaction with the Centre's response, as per an NDTV report.

"The apology is merely on paper. We decline to accept tis, considering it a deliberate violation of undertaking," the bench asserted. It noted that Ramdev and Balkrishna initially sent their apologies to the media before submitting them to the court, raising concerns about their intentions.

Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the Patanjali founders, faced criticism as he read out the affidavits. Justice Amanullah accused them of "defrauding the affidavit" and questioned the sincerity of the apologies. Rohatgi defended, citing human fallibility, but the court insisted on accountability for flouting its orders.

The court emphasised the need to send a message to society and scrutinised the conduct of the Uttarakhand government's licensing inspectors, calling for the suspension of three officers. It condemned the authority's leniency and warned against complicity with Patanjali.

"We have strong objection to the use of the word 'bonafide' for officers. We are not going to take (it) lightly. We will rip you apart," it said, saying that officers were just "pushing files."

"In 2021, the ministry wrote to the Uttarakhand licensing authority against a misleading advertisement. In response, the company gave a response to the licensing authority. However, the authority let off the company with a warning. The 1954 Act does not provide for warning and there is no provision for compounding the offence," the court said.

The Supreme Court criticised the state counsel saying "You are acting like a post office. Did you take legal advice? Shameful of you," for their inaction and suggesting complicity with Patanjali.

"What about all the faceless people who have consumed these Patanjali medicines stated to cure diseases which cannot be cured. Can you do this to an ordinary person?" the court said.

The bench reprimanded the mockery of the Supreme Court and demanded swift action from the Uttarakhand authorities. It highlighted the risks posed to consumers by misleading advertisements and urged accountability from all responsible parties.

The Supreme Court also remarked that Ramdev and Balkrishna attempted to avoid appearing in court by claiming they were abroad.

The court has scheduled the next hearing for 16 April, signaling its intent to address the matter decisively.