Delhi High Court Orders Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna to Retract Statements Against Allopathy and Patanjali’s Coronil

Delhi, July 29, 2024 – In a significant ruling, the Delhi High Court has directed Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna, prominent figures in the Patanjali Ayurved Ltd, to retract their controversial statements regarding allopathy and the efficacy of Patanjali’s Coronil during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The court’s order came in response to a petition filed by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and several other medical professionals, who argued that the statements made by Ramdev and Balkrishna were not only misleading but also detrimental to public health efforts during the pandemic.

The Controversial Statements

Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna had publicly claimed that allopathy was responsible for the deaths of lakhs of people during the COVID-19 crisis. Furthermore, they asserted that Patanjali’s Coronil, an ayurvedic product, was a “cure” for the virus. These statements sparked widespread outrage among the medical community and public health experts, who emphasized the importance of evidence-based medicine in combating the pandemic.

Court’s Decision

In its judgment, the Delhi High Court emphasized the need for responsible speech, especially during a global health crisis. The court noted that such statements could undermine the public’s trust in scientifically proven treatments and lead to dangerous consequences.

The court ordered Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna to:

1. Issue a Public Retraction: They must publicly retract their statements asserting that allopathy was responsible for COVID-19 deaths and that Coronil is a cure for the virus.

2. Cease Misleading Claims: They are to refrain from making any further unsubstantiated claims regarding the efficacy of Coronil or any other products without robust scientific evidence.

3. Pay a Fine: The court also imposed a fine on Patanjali Ayurved Ltd for propagating unverified claims, which could potentially mislead the public.

Reaction from the Medical Community

Dr. J.A. Jayalal, the former president of the Indian Medical Association, welcomed the court’s decision, stating, “This ruling reinforces the importance of evidence-based medicine and the need to counter misinformation, especially during a public health crisis.”

Patanjali’s Response

In a statement, Patanjali Ayurved Ltd expressed its intention to comply with the court’s order, although they maintained that their statements were misunderstood and taken out of context. Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna are expected to hold a press conference to address the court’s directive and outline their next steps.

Implications for Public Health

The Delhi High Court’s ruling is seen as a crucial step in the ongoing battle against misinformation in the health sector. It underscores the responsibility of public figures to provide accurate information, particularly when addressing health issues that can have widespread implications.

As the world continues to navigate the challenges posed by COVID-19, the importance of relying on scientifically validated treatments and information remains paramount. The court’s decision serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of spreading unverified claims and the critical role of legal frameworks in safeguarding public health.