New Delhi: In a significant development, the Delhi High Court has directed yoga guru Baba Ramdev and his associate Acharya Balkrishna to retract their claims that Coronil is a ‘cure’ for COVID-19. The court has given them a three-day deadline to comply with the order.
The decision comes amid growing concerns over the efficacy of Patanjali products. The court also ordered Ramdev to delete statements blaming allopathy doctors for the deaths of numerous people during the pandemic.
Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani emphasized the seriousness of the matter, stating that if Ramdev and Balkrishna fail to remove the contentious tweets within the stipulated time, social media platforms will be compelled to take action.
This legal battle stems from a 2021 lawsuit filed by several doctors’ associations against Ramdev, Balkrishna, and Patanjali Ayurveda. The plaintiffs accused the trio of making “unsubstantiated claims” about Coronil’s ability to cure COVID-19, which went beyond the drug’s approved status as an “immuno-booster.”
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The doctors alleged that Ramdev and his associates engaged in a misinformation campaign to boost sales of Coronil and other Patanjali products. They argued that these false claims undermined public health and eroded trust in established medical practices.
The case has seen several twists and turns. Earlier, the Bombay High Court ordered Patanjali to deposit Rs 50 lakh for violating an interim order. Additionally, the Supreme Court is currently considering a contempt plea against Ramdev related to misleading advertisements by Patanjali.
The Delhi High Court’s order is a major setback for Ramdev and Patanjali, and it is expected to have far-reaching implications for the promotion of Ayurvedic products in India. The case highlights the importance of scientific evidence and regulatory oversight in the healthcare sector.