NEW DELHI: Acharya Balkrishna, disciple of Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev has tendered an unqualified apology to the top court for issuing advertisements related to products to cure lifestyle related medical complications.
In an affidavit, Patanjali Ayurved's MD regretted that the advertisement in question which was meant to contain only general statements inadvertently included the offending sentences, in breach of a statement made by the company on November 21, 2023.
He claimed those were bona-fide and added in routine course by the media department of the Company. The personnel of the media department of the company were not cognisant of the order, his affidavit said.
By the unqualified apology, Balkrishna said he will ensure that such advertisements are not issued in the future.
"By way of clarification, not as a defense, the deponent begs to submit that its intention is only to exhort the citizens of this country to lead a healthier life by consuming products of the company including products for lifestyle ailments through the use age old literature and materials supplementing and backed by ayurvedic research," it said.
He, however, said the Schedule J of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954 read with Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1955 is in an archaic state and the last changes were introduced in 1996.
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"The Drug & Cosmetic Act, 1940 was passed when scientific evidence in Ayurveda research were lacking," it said.
His affidavit said the company now possesses evidence-based scientific data with clinical research conducted in Ayurveda, which would demonstrate the advances made through scientific research in the context of diseases mentioned in the said schedule.
"The deponent's only quest is for a better and healthier life for each and every citizen and to reduce the burden on the countries healthcare infrastructure by providing holistic, evidence based solutions for lifestyle related medical complications through the usage of age old traditional approach of Ayurveda and Yoga," it said.
Acting on a petition by Indian Medical Association, on March 19, the Supreme Court has strongly objected to failure of Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna to file a response to the contempt notice and sought their personal presence before the court on next date of hearing, April 2.
On November 21, 2023, the Supreme Court had cautioned Patanjali Ayurved against making "false" and "misleading" claims in advertisements about its medicines as a cure of several diseases.
Indian Medical Association sought action against Baba Ramdev and Patanjali Ayurved for defaming allopathy medicine.
