Contempt Case Against Patanjali, Baba Ramdev : Live Updates From Supreme Court
The SupremeCourt will continue hearing today the contempt case against #Patanjali Ayurved, Acharya Balkrishna and #BabaRamdev today.The Court will examine today the public apology published by them for publishing misleading medical ads.A Bench of Justices Hima Kohli & Ahsanuddin Amanullah will hear the matter.The manufacturing licenses of 14 products of Patanjali Ayurved Ltd and its...
The SupremeCourt will continue hearing today the contempt case against #Patanjali Ayurved, Acharya Balkrishna and #BabaRamdev today.
The Court will examine today the public apology published by them for publishing misleading medical ads.
A Bench of Justices Hima Kohli & Ahsanuddin Amanullah will hear the matter.
The manufacturing licenses of 14 products of Patanjali Ayurved Ltd and its sister concern Divya Pharmacy were suspended on April 15, stated the Uttarakhand State Licensing Authority in an affidavit filed before the Supreme Court on Monday (April 29).
Invoking the power under Rule 159(1) of the Drugs and Cosmetic Rules 1954, the licenses of these products were suspended with "immediate effect", the Authority stated. Notably, the order came after the Supreme Court pulled up the State Authority on April 10 for its inaction against Patanjali and Divya Pharmacy for their illegal advertisements of these products.
Further, the Authority stated that a criminal complaint has been filed against Patanjali Ayurved, its Managing Director Acharya Balkrishna, its co-founder Baba Ramdev and Divya Pharmacy before the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Haridwar under the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act 1954.
The products whose licenses have been suspended are Swasari Gold, Swasari Vati, Bronchom, Swasari Pravahi, Swasari Avaleh, Mukta Vati Extra Power, Lipidom, Bp Grit, Madhugrit, Madhunashini Vati Extra Power, Livamrit Advance, Livogrit, Eyegrit Gold and Patanjali Drishti Eye Drops.
The Authority also tendered an “unconditional and unqualified apology” to the Supreme Court for any “inadvertent and unintentional” non-compliance with the orders of the Supreme Court.
On the last hearing date, the bench expressed that its scrutiny was not just limited to Patanjali but to all FMCG companies which are taking the "public for a ride" by advertising false health claims about their products.
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J Amanullah: Not saying we are angry. There has to be transparency between bar and bench. Be careful. Own what you have done, seek apology. Have trust in court that you won't be targeted. We'll not be biased. That's the assurance we give on this side.
J Kohli: Matter to be taken up on May 17
J Amanullah: You have taken steps, keep it up. We are glad you are acting against others also. Don't slack now
Adv Shukla apologizes for page numbering issue
J Amanullah: We were just pained. At this stage, every word counts. Nothing personal. We can't see what is in your heart. What is written in black and white is our measure.
J Kohli: Mr Mehta submits 5 affidavits have been filed...we have perused and expressed dissatisfaction. the authorities got activated only after our order of April 10. on Mr Mehta's request, addl affidavit are permitted to be filed in 10 days
J Kohli: Mr Rohatgi has also brought attention of this court to an interview given by present IMA President, which it is his submission is critical of this Court's order dated Apri 23. A copy of the publication carrying the interview be filed
J Kohli: Previous Joint director of SLA, Mr Mithilesh, and all officers holding the post of District Unani ... from 2018 onwards were directed to file affidavits explaining conduct
J Kohli: Registry directed to accept the same, whenever filed. A request is made for exemption from appearance on next date. Granted limited to next date
J Kohli: Mr Rohatgi says he has filed documents with addl affidavit...he concedes that there has been misunderstanding by briefing counsel. we give him one more opportunity to file original page of each newspaper in which apology is issued
J Kohli to ASG Nataraj: rest on May 7
Order is dictated
J Kohli: we will give you time to file addl affidavit. we have given opportunity to others, we will give you too
Mehta: we will file, give us about 8-10 days
Bench: we will, not in a hurry
J Kohli: if he came clean that he did not take action...that was all that was required...to be candid
J Amanullah: still this affidavit comes, told you be honest. if you want sympathy and compassion, that's the only thing that can save you
J Amanullah: how do you explain inaction for 4 years, violation of orders of superior authority? Mr Mehta, what is your stand as a counsel? why everything was in a limbo? all has been done now in a few days
J Amanullah: why that statement that on directions of this court he is acting? still shying from taking responsibility? we take strong objection. misrepresenting for obvious purposes. he has not come clean. Don't use our shoulders. He is acting smart