Patanjali Ayurved, in response to the Supreme Court’s directive, has published a larger, more prominent apology in newspapers. The apology, signed by Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna, the company’s managing director, acknowledges that the company has failed to comply with the court’s orders and expresses regret for publishing misleading advertisements.
In the apology, Patanjali states that it unconditionally apologizes for holding a meeting and press conference on November 22, 2023, and for publishing advertisements in violation of the court’s orders. The company further undertakes to abide by the court’s directions and instructions with due care and sincerity and to uphold the majesty of the court.
This apology follows the Supreme Court’s sharp criticism of Patanjali’s previous apology, which was published in small print on an inside page of newspapers. The court had questioned whether the apology was commensurate with the size and prominence of the company’s usual advertisements.
The court’s scrutiny of Patanjali’s advertising practices is part of a larger concern about misleading advertisements by Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies. The court has urged the government to take action against such companies, particularly those that target vulnerable consumers such as families with babies and schoolchildren.
The court’s concerns stem from recent reports alleging that Nestle’s baby food products sold in India have a higher sugar content than those sold in other countries. The Union Consumer Affairs Ministry has asked the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to investigate these allegations.
