The Supreme Court has summoned Patanjali Ayurvedas managing director, Acharya Balkrishna, and renowned yoga guru Baba Ramdev to appear before it during the next hearing regarding a case involving misleading advertisements. The courts decision came after the firm failed to respond to a contempt notice previously issued.Additionally, the court has issued a notice to Baba Ramdev, calling for an explanation as to why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against him. In February, the court expressed strong disapproval, noting that the nation had been misled through advertisements promoting herbal products that allegedly cure diseases.Previously, the court had issued a notice to Patanjali Ayurved and Acharya Balkrishna, questioning why contempt proceedings shouldnt be initiated against them for potentially violating the firms commitment made in court regarding the advertising of its products and their medicinal effectiveness. The court also directed the company and its officers to refrain from making statements in the media against any medical systems.Furthermore, the court sought information from the Centre regarding actions taken against Patanjali Ayurveda for alleged incorrect assertions and misrepresentations in advertisements claiming their medicines could cure various diseases. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has taken legal action against the firm, accusing it of running a campaign against modern medicine.Last year, on November 21, Patanjali Ayurveda assured the court that it would not violate any laws, especially related to advertising or branding of its products, and would refrain from making casual statements about medicinal efficacy or against any medical system in the media. This assurance followed the courts warning against making false and misleading claims in advertisements about its medicines.Moreover, the court recently prohibited Patanjali Ayurveda from advertising or branding products intended to treat specified ailments listed as diseases, disorders, or conditions under the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954.
