 informed the Supreme Court on Tuesday that its President, Dr. RV Asokan, has issued a public apology for his remarks made during the Patanjali case hearing. This apology was published in several media outlets, as well as on the IMA's website and in its monthly journal..){kind=link}
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) informed the Supreme Court on Tuesday that its President, Dr. RV Asokan, has issued a public apology for his remarks made during the Patanjali case hearing. This apology was published in several media outlets, as well as on the IMA’s website and in its monthly journal..
Incident Leading to Apology
On May 14, 2024, the Supreme Court had severely reprimanded Dr. Asokan for his comments, which were perceived as an attack on the institution. These remarks were made in the context of ongoing contempt proceedings against Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev and Patanjali’s MD Acharya Balkrishna related to misleading advertisements.
The bench had initially refused to accept Dr. Asokan’s unconditional apology, which he had offered during a personal court appearance, insisting that he needed to account for his conduct. The court had also questioned why he should not issue a public apology, similar to that tendered by Ramdev.
Published Remarks Brought to Record
Acharya Balkrishna’s application highlighted Dr. Asokan’s published remarks, prompting the court to consider these statements formally. Dr. Asokan’s counsel requested the court to take judicial notice of these press statements for potential action.
Content of the Remarks
Dr. Asokan’s controversial statement reportedly included, “It does not behove the Supreme Court to take a broadside against the medical profession of the country which after all sacrificed so many lives for the Covid war.”
The case originated from a 2022 petition filed by the IMA, alleging that Patanjali and Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev were conducting a smear campaign against the Covid vaccination drive and modern medical practices.
During Tuesday’s hearing, the court reviewed Dr. Asokan’s affidavit, filed on July 6. The matter was adjourned to August 6, allowing respondents time to review the affidavit. The court also exempted Dr. Asokan from appearing in person at the next hearing.
Cause title :
Indian Medical Association v. Union Of India [W.P.(C) No. 645/2022]