New Delhi: Patanjali was one of the fastest growing FMCG companies in India in 2016 and one of the most popular companies among Indian households, especially among the middle class. The company’s main customers and fans are mostly people who believe in organic, pure herbal products without the use of chemicals. Patanjali bases all its marketing activities on this one point and has been successful in strengthening its customer base and attracting the masses over the years. However, success brings controversy that does not spare anyone. Patanjali, and specifically Patanjali Ayurveda, the yoga guru, in “absolute defiance” the Supreme Court on Tuesday found guilty of failing to file a proper compliance affidavit in a misleading advertising case. Patanjali Ayurveda managing director Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna, managing director of Patanjali Ayurveda, have been in the news for sentencing them to serious charges. “All kinds of barriers.” It all started in November 2023 when the Indian Medical Association (IMA) filed a complaint alleging a smear campaign against modern medicine.
What is the Patanjali Ayurveda misleading advertising incident?
November 2023: The Supreme Court of India has warned Patanjanli Ayurved to be fined Rs 1 billion for misleading advertisements. Patanjali Ayurveda was accused of promising permanent cures for several diseases without evidence and also of denying his medicine. However, despite the warning, the company continued to run misleading advertisements. The company gave false assurances to the court on several occasions.
February 2024: The Supreme Court ordered a temporary ban on the company’s advertisements and issued contempt notices to the company and its president, Balkrishna.
March 19, 2024the Supreme Court of India holds Ramdev-owned Patanjali Ayurveda and its managing director Acharya Balakrishna for failing to respond to contempt notices and misleading advertisements about drug treatments. He was instructed to appear in court in person.
April 2, 2024: In its order, the SC gave the company one last chance within a week to file a “better” response in the contempt suit. The next hearing in this case will be held on April 10th.
Two affidavits were to be filed by Patanjali Ayurveda.
1) An explanation of why the company continued to run misleading advertisements despite promising the court not to do so.
2) Explanation for failure to file a reply to the contempt notice issued to Balakrishna and the company.
History of Patanjali Ayurveda
Patanjali Ayurveda is an Indian multinational conglomerate holding company headquartered in Haridwar. The company was founded in 2006 by Mr. Ramdev and Mr. Balkrishna. The company’s head office is located in Delhi, with manufacturing units and headquarters located in the industrial area of Haridwar. The company manufactures cosmetics, Ayurvedic medicine, personal care products, and food products. Balkrishna is the CEO and holds 94% of the company’s shares. Ramdev represents the company and makes strategic decisions. Patanjali Ayurveda manufactures cosmetics, personal care, Ayurvedic products, and food products.The company opened a clothing store, Patanjali Paridhan, in Delhi in November 2018.
Published on: Tuesday, April 2, 2024, 1:33 PM IST
