The Supreme Court, rejecting yet another round of apologies submitted by Patanjali founders Ramdev and Balkrishna for the company’s misleading advertisements, emphasized its refusal to turn a blind eye, stating “we are not blind” and expressing a lack of inclination towards leniency in this matter. Additionally, the court expressed dissatisfaction with the Centre’s response to the issue.
“We find the apology merely on paper. They are in a difficult situation. We decline to accept this; we view it as a deliberate violation of their commitment,” remarked the bench comprising Justice Hima Kohli and Justice A Amanullah.
At the outset of the hearing, the bench observed that Ramdev and Balkrishna had initially circulated their apologies to the media. “Until the issue reached the Court, the contemnors did not deem it necessary to submit the affidavits to us. They first sent them to the media, and it was not provided to us until 7.30 pm yesterday. Clearly, they prioritize publicity,” remarked Justice Kohli.
Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the Patanjali founders, stated that he could not speak for the registry and confirmed that the apologies had been served.
While reading out the affidavits, Justice Amanullah commented, “You are manipulating the affidavit. I am surprised by who drafted it.” Mr. Rohatgi acknowledged a “lapse,” prompting the court to respond, “a very minor term.”
