Patanjali founders issue new apology after Supreme Court inquiry

NEW DELHI: Yoga guru Ramdev and his business partner Balkrishna, co-founders of Patanjali Ayurved Limited, have issued a fresh public apology. This move comes after the Supreme Court raised questions about the size and clarity of their previous apology for misleading ads.

The new apology, published on Wednesday, April 24, states, “We unconditionally apologize for not following the Supreme Court of India’s orders.” This time, the apology was printed with larger fonts to ensure better visibility.

The statement continues, “We’re sorry for the meeting on November 22, 2023, and for any mistakes in our ads. We promise not to repeat these mistakes and will follow the court’s directions with sincerity.”

READ MORE : Supreme Court demands Baba Ramdev’s apology size equivalent to ads

“We earnestly apologize for the mistake made in publishing our advertisements and it is our wholehearted commitment that such errors will not be repeated. We undertake to abide by the directions and instructions of the Hon’ble Court with due care and utmost sincerity. We undertake to uphold the majesty of the court and comply with applicable laws and directions of the Hon’ble Court of law/relevant authorities,” the Patanjali public apology ads.

Previously, Ramdev and Balkrishna had apologized to the Supreme Court for Patanjali’s ads that overstated the health benefits of their products.

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court asked them about the prominence of their newspaper apology. “Was it as big as your usual ads?” questioned Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah.

Their lawyer, Mukul Rohatgi, confirmed that an apology was issued in 67 newspapers nationwide. The court has asked to see the actual printed apologies and expects them to be filed within two days. The case will be reconsidered on April 30.

READ MORE : Baba Ramdev’s apology falls short: SC unimpressed with Patanjali’s actions