Patanjali misleading ads: After SC's rebuke, Ramdev issues fresh apology in bigger size

NEW DELHI: Patanjali Ayurved Limited co-founders Yoga guru Ramdev and Balkrishna on Wednesday issued a new public apology in newspapers a day after the Supreme Court questioned them about the size of the previous apology issued by the company for violating court orders over misleading advertisements.

The fresh apology, titled "Unconditional Public Apology," covers a quarter of a newspaper page.

“In wake of on going matter before the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India, we in our individual capacity as well as on behalf of the Company, unconditionally apologise for the non-compliance or disobedience of directions/orders of the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India,” the public apology reads as.

"We unconditionally extend the apology for holding meeting/press conference dated 22.11.2023. We earnestly apologize for the mistake made in publishing our advertisements and it is our whole-hearted commitment that such errors will not be repeated. We undertake to abide by directions and instructions of the Hon'ble Court with due care and utmost sincerity. We undertake to uphold the majesty of the court and comply with applicable laws and directions of the Hon'ble Court of law/relevant authorities. Sincerely, Patanjali Ayurved Limited, Acharya Balkrishna, Swami Ramdev, Haridwar, Uttarakhand," it added.

The apex court on Tuesday said public apology to be given in newspapers by Patanjali, its founders Ramdev and his disciple Balkrishna for violating its order must be of same display in which the company advertised its products and hinted that small size publication of apology in some corner of a paper will not be sufficient.

While deferring a hearing to allow the proposed contemnors to file an affidavit along with a cutting of the advertisements, the bench queried about the size of the publication.

“Is the apology the same size as your advertisements?” the bench asked. It, however, made it clear that it will not be satisfied with a small display which would go unnoticed by people.