Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Mar 21: Patanjali Ayurved Limited's Managing Director, Acharya Balkrishna, issued an unconditional apology for his company's misleading claims regarding the effectiveness of its formulations, which had raised doubts about the efficacy of modern medicine. Balkrishna's apology came in the form of an affidavit filed after being summoned to appear before the Supreme Court along with Baba Ramdev.

In his affidavit, Balkrishna expressed regret over the company's advertisement containing the contentious claims, acknowledging the violation of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954, and the court's order from November 21, 2023. He attributed the inclusion of these claims in the advertisement to inadvertence and assured that such advertisements would not be issued in the future.

However, Balkrishna also criticized the 1954 law as ‘archaic’ and asserted that Patanjali possesses evidence-based scientific data with clinical research conducted in Ayurveda, which demonstrates advances in treating diseases mentioned in the Act's schedule. The nature of this evidence remains unclear.

A bench of justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah had reprimanded Balkrishna for violating the court's undertaking and failing to file an affidavit within the specified period. Baba Ramdev was also added as a party to the proceedings, with the court expressing prima facie opinion of his violation of the Act.

The court's order was issued in response to a petition filed by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) seeking to restrain Patanjali from making false claims and discrediting modern medicine. The Union government, also named in the petition, was directed to respond regarding actions taken against Patanjali for violating the Act. The Centre stated that the state licensing authority of Uttarakhand was tasked with addressing misleading advertisements by Patanjali and ensuring their removal.