Supreme Court Criticizes IMA President for Press Interview on Patanjali Case
The Supreme Court of India issued a strong reprimand to the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and its President, Dr. RV Asokan, during a hearing related to Patanjali’s misleading advertisement campaign.
The bench, headed by Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah, pulled up Dr. Asokan for giving an interview to the press in which he criticized the Court’s orders in the case. The bench stated that Dr. Asokan’s actions were akin to those of Patanjali, and that as a medical professional, he should have exercised self-restraint.
The Court also clarified that it upholds the freedom of speech, but emphasized the need for responsible restraint in certain situations. The bench stressed that Dr. Asokan, as the President of the IMA, had a duty to display self-control in his public statements.
During the hearing, Patanjali Ayurved filed an application against Dr. Asokan, seeking the Court’s attention to his “wanton and unwarranted comments.” In response, the bench also reserved its order in a contempt of court case against Patanjali Ayurved, yoga guru Baba Ramdev, and Acharya Balkrishna.
The Court’s strong stance against the IMA President sends a clear message that medical professionals and public figures should exercise caution and refrain from making irresponsible statements that could undermine the judiciary’s authority or public confidence in the medical profession.
