Unconditional apology widely publicised, IMA chief tells Supreme Court

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New Delhi, July 9

Having been in the eye of the storm over his “damaging” statements against the Supreme Court while answering questions about Patanjali Ayurved’s misleading advertisements case, Indian Medical Association president RV Asokan on Tuesday told it that his unconditional apology has been widely publicised.

What Asokan said against the court

In an interview, IMA president RV Asokan had reportedly said it was “unfortunate” that the Supreme Court criticised the Indian Medical Association and the practices of private doctors and that the “vague” and “generalised statements” have demoralised private doctors.

On behalf of the IMA president, senior counsel PS Patwalia told a Bench led by Justice Hima Kohli that Asokan’s unconditional apology has been published in the IMA’s monthly publication, on its website and by news agency PTI which had published his April 29 interview, the top court took exception to.

“Last time, I (Asokan) had submitted an affidavit of apology. Your lordships were of the opinion that the apology should be given proper publicity like the interview…,” Patwalia told the Bench which also included Justice Sandeep Mehta.

He said the IMA has published the apology on the first page of its monthly publication, a full page advertisement stating that Asokan has apologised, expressed regret to the Supreme Court and has submitted an affidavit tendering unconditional apology.

On Patwalia’s request, the Bench exempted Asokan, who was present in the court, from personal appearance.

Asking senior advocate Balbir Singh, representing Patanjali Ayurved Ltd, if he would like to file something and assist it on the latest affidavit filed by Asokan, the Bench posted the matter for further hearing on August 6.

The Bench also directed Patanjali Ayurved Ltd founded Yoga guru Ramdev to file an affidavit stating whether advertisements of its 14 products, whose manufacturing licences were initially suspended but later restored, have been withdrawn.

Further hearing in the case will take place on July 30.