The Supreme Court on Wednesday expressed dissatisfaction with the apology offered by Baba Ramdev and the Managing Director of Patanjali Ayurved. The court stated, “We decline to accept this. We consider it a wilful, deliberate disobedience of the undertaking.”
A panel comprising Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah expressed discontent with the affidavit and raised concerns about the affidavits being disclosed publicly before submission to the bench.
“Till the matter hit the Court, the contemnors did not find it fit to send us the (fresh apology) affidavits. They sent it to the media first, till 7.30 pm yesterday it was not uploaded for us. They believe in publicity clearly!”
The court questioned, “We are wondering why we should not treat this apology with the same disdain as you treated your undertaking in this court!”
Justice Amanullah slammed Ramdev for apparent forgery within his apology affidavit, questioning, “Who drafted this? I am genuinely surprised.”
Justice Hima Kohli dismissed the apology as merely a piece of paper and declared that the court would not acknowledge it. “Apology is on paper. Their back is against the wall. We decline to accept this, we consider it a deliberate violation of undertaking. Be ready for something next to rejection of affidavit.” Justice Kohli said.
Justice Amanullah pointed to the air tickets attached by Ramdev in his affidavit and said, “We are not blinded!”
Senior Advocates Mukul Rohatgi appearing for Ramdev said, “People make mistakes.”
On this the bench replied: “Then they suffer. We don’t want to be so generous in this case.”
SC Slams Centre, State For Conduct In Ramdev’s Case
The bench said that a message must go to society. “Look at the reply of State. We are making it a part of your conduct. What kind of medications have you been coming out with.” The court asked the State Licensing Authority of Uttarakahand that why should all officers not be placed under suspension.
SG Tushar Mehta appearing for Centre told the court that let Ramdev’s case be decided first as he has to be in another court.
Bench asked Senior Advocate Druv Mehta appearing for State Licensing Authority to read a letter involving Divya Pharmacy.
“What did you do? Sit and wiggle your thumbs? You waited for us to prod you?” the court remarked.
Justice Amanullah asked counsel appearing for State Licensing Authority said that, “Why should all officers not be placed under suspension right here?”
Justice Kohli said your officers have done nothing, “What is the job of a Drug Officer and Licensing Officer?”
Justice Amanullah said, “we have strong objection to use of word ‘bonafide’ for officers. We are not going to take lightly. We will rip you apart!”
Justice Kohli asked the State Licensing Authority that “Why should we not think you are in cahoots with alleged contemnors? You are keeping your eyes shut deliberately!”