Baba Ramdev Should Not Abuse Other Medicine Systems, Says Supreme Court While Hearing IMA Plea

The Supreme Court on Tuesday pulled up Baba Ramdev for making statements against modern medicine systems like Allopathy.

A bench led by the Chief Justice of India orally criticised Ramdev while hearing a petition filed by the Indian Medical Association seeking to control the "smear campaign" and negative advertisements against the vaccination drive and modern medicines.

CJI Ramana, while observing that systems popularised by Baba Ramdev might not always work, remarked that–

"What happened to Baba Ramdev? He can popularise his system, but why should he criticise other systems.We all respect him, he popularized yoga but he shouldn't criticize other systems. What is the guarantee that his system will work? He cannot refuse doctor system. He must exercise restraint in abusing other systems."

The bench, also comprising Justices Hima Kohli and CT Ravikumar, issued notice to the Union Government, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Advertising Standards Council of India, Central Consumer Protection Authority of India and Patanjali Ayurved Ltd(the company run by Ramdev).

The IMA argued that "disparaging" statements are made by Ayush companies to mislead the general public. "They say that doctors were taking allopathy medicines but still succumbing to COVID. If this goes one, unabated then it will cause serious prejudice to us", the counsel appearing for the IMA submitted.

The IMA sought to direct the Centre, ASCI and the CCPA to take action against such advertisements and campaigns to promote Ayush system by disparaging Allopathic system.

Last week, the Delhi High Court had also asked Baba Ramdev to refrain from making misleading claims about Ayurveda. "You are welcome to have your followers, you're welcome to have your disciples, you're welcome to have people who will believe whatever you say. But please do not mislead the public at large by saying what is more than what the official…", single bench of the High Court had orally remarked while hearing a suit filed by a group of allopathic doctors.

The High Court had also orally remarked that Ramdev's statement that US President Joe Biden contracted COVID despite taking vaccination can even affect "friendly international relations" of India.

Case Title : INDIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION vs. UNION OF INDIA| W.P.(C) No. 000645 - / 2022

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