After Supreme Court rap, Patanjali issues another public apology — bigger in size

Day after the Supreme Court questioned the size of the public apology issued by Patanjali Ayurved over misleading advertisements, the firm issued another unconditional apology in newspapers on Wednesday — this time, more prominent.

The apology, signed by Yoga guru Ramdev and Patanjali’s managing director Acharya Balkrishna, read: “In wake of on going matter before the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India (Writ Petition C. No. 645/2022), 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. 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.”

Patanjali issues another public apology

On Tuesday, the court had directed senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Patanjali, to “cut out the ads and then supply it to us” without enlarging. “We want to see the actual size. This is our direction… we want to see that when you issue an advertisement, it does not mean we have to see it with a microscope,” the court said.

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This came after Rohatgi informed the court that the company had issued advertisements on Monday in 67 newspapers with an unqualified apology. However, the Bench questioned if it were the same size as its advertisements for Patanjali’s products. Rohtagi responded in negative and stated that the group will issue further advertisements.

Patanjali on November 21, 2023 had assured the court that it would refrain from making any statements or issue any misleading advertisements against allopathy after the Indian Medical Association (IMA) sued the firm. The very next day, however, Ramdev held a press conference in Haridwar, allegedly violating the undertaking and the company also issued an advertisement on December 4.

The top court had then issued the contempt notice to Ramdev and Balkrishna for flouting the undertaking.