We Are Proud Of Baba Ramdev's Contributions, He Should Be More Responsible: Supreme Court
During the hearing before the Bench of Justice Hima Kohli and Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah of the Supreme Court in the Patanjali-misleading advertisements case, Justice Amanullah addressed Baba Ramdev and Patanjali MD Acharya Balkrishna directly, expressing his appreciation for Ramdev's contributions while cautioning him to put his good will to use.
Justice Amanullah said, "I want to tell one thing, because they are there (present in court). I don't know whether they (Ramdev and Balakrishna) understand English. Baba Ramdev has a lot of Astha (faith). Use it in a positive way. People blindly follow him."
Justice Kohli added, "We have said, the kind of following he (Baba Ramdev) has."
"He cannot take the public for granted; that is what concerns us," Justice Amanullah said.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Union of India, acknowledged Ramdev's contributions to yoga and Ayurveda. "He has his own contribution in the field of yoga, in the field of Ayurveda," Mehta said.
Justice Amanullah agreed with Mehta's sentiments but stressed the importance of using influence positively. "Exactly, exactly. We also feel proud of his contributions, but he has to use it positively so that people will really look upto him," he remarked.
Justice Kohli acknowledged Ramdev's role in popularizing yoga on a national scale but cautioned against other aspects related to Patanjali's products. "International platform, Yoga having been brought to the notice of all is a major contribution by him (Baba Ramdev). We are not hesitating from accepting this, but whatever else is related to Patanjali's product is another matter. So, do keep that in mind, that's all we are saying," she remarked.
Furthermore, Justice Amanullah emphasized the need for responsibility. "Be more responsible. It needs more responsibility," he concluded.
Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi then told Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna they may exit the Court and confirmed with them whether they heard what the Court had expressed. "Danyawad. Pranam", said Baba Ramdev. "Hamara bhi pranam", replied Justice Amanullah as the duo left the Courtroom.
With the above observations, the Court reserved its order in the contempt notices issued to Ramdev and Balakrishna while exempting their personal appearance.
Cause Title: Indian Medical Association v. Union Of India [W.P.(C) No. 645/2022]
