In a surprising turn of events, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) found itself on the receiving end of criticism from the Supreme Court during today’s hearing on the misleading advertisements case involving Yoga guru Ramdev and his associate Balkrishna.
During the hearing, the bench of Justice Hima Kohli and Justice A Amanullah rebuked the IMA over comments made by its president RV Asokan in an interview regarding the case. The bench questioned the IMA’s stance, highlighting the inconsistency between criticizing Patanjali Ayurved for misleading advertisements while its own president commented on the matter publicly. The court expressed disappointment at the IMA’s response, indicating that it had expected a different approach from the doctors’ body.
The court emphasized that it did not seek praise but rather expected all parties involved to adhere to proper conduct during ongoing legal proceedings. Despite the IMA’s counsel requesting time until the next hearing and expressing regret over Asokan’s remarks, the court remained steadfast in its stance, emphasizing the need for professionalism and respect for legal processes.
Balkrishna, the managing director of Patanjali Ayurved, had filed a petition against the IMA president’s interview, alleging interference in the court’s proceedings. The court acknowledged this petition, indicating a shift in dynamics after previously rebuking Ramdev and Balkrishna for misleading advertisements. The IMA’s initial petition against Ramdev and his company highlighted concerns over the dissemination of false information about healthcare and the denigration of allopathic medicine and doctors.
