Ramdev-Balkrishna Issue Another Apology in Advertisement Controversy: Second in Two Days; Court Emphasizes Clarity in Messaging
New Delhi, 24 April: Baba Ramdev and Balkrishna, the faces of Patanjali, have issued yet another apology in newspapers on Wednesday (April 24), marking the second instance within two days. This comes amidst ongoing scrutiny in the Supreme Court over allegations of negative advertising against allopathy through newspaper ads.
In the latest apology published by Patanjali, they express sincere regret for any inadvertent errors in their advertising endeavors and pledge an unwavering commitment to adhering to the directives set forth by the Supreme Court.
Prior to this, on April 22, Patanjali had taken a similar course of action by publishing apologies across 67 newspapers, reaffirming their dedication to ensuring such missteps do not recur. They promptly informed the esteemed bench of Justice Hima Kohli and Justice Amanatullah in the Supreme Court about this development on April 23.
Justice Hima Kohli, during the proceedings, sought clarification from Patanjali on the dimensions of the apology compared to their typical advertisement sizes, emphasizing the importance of legibility. Stressing that an advertisement’s impact should not necessitate microscopic examination but rather be readily comprehensible, the court urged Patanjali, Baba Ramdev, and Balkrishna to issue an unequivocal on-record apology within the next two days, acknowledging any missteps made. The next hearing in this matter is scheduled for April 30.
This ongoing dialogue underscores the significance of clear and responsible communication in advertising, especially within the context of sensitive public health issues.
