In a stern rebuke to the Indian Medical Association (IMA), the Supreme Court of India criticized its stance during the hearing concerning Patanjali's misleading advertising campaign.
The Court highlighted the hypocrisy of the IMA, stating, "You do exactly the same thing Patanjali did. You are not a layman, don't you know the consequences of such things? You can't sit on your couch lamenting the order of the court."
The bench directed its criticism towards Asokan, the president of the IMA, emphasizing the importance of self-restraint and responsible behavior, especially from a prominent figure in the medical community. "As IMA President, you should have had self-restraint. That's the point. We didn't see that in your interviews," remarked the bench.
Referring to comments made by Asokan in an interview, the Court highlighted the need for discretion and responsibility in public statements, urging individuals to refrain from making inflammatory remarks.
Patanjali had filed an application against the IMA president, prompting the bench to consider the "wanton and unwarranted comments" made by Asokan.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court reserved its order in a contempt of court case against Patanjali Ayurved, Baba Ramdev, and Acharya Balkrishna.
Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah presided over the proceedings and dispensed with the requirement for the personal appearance of Patanjali Ayurved's founders, Ramdev and Balkrishna.