Contempt Case Against Patanjali, Baba Ramdev : Live Updates From Supreme Court Hearing

Kohli, J: All officers holding post of [...] Haridwar between 2018 till date shall also file affidavits explaining inaction on their part. Be filed within 2 weeks. List for further orders (so far as contemnors concerned)

Kohli, J: Besides proposed contemnors, we are inclined to issue notice to deponent and his predecessor. However, we are refraining for the present

Kohli, J: In the teeth of the aforesaid reply, instead of taking action under the statute, SLA informed Union of India that it should issue a warning to Divya Pharmacy

Kohli, J: In 4-5 years, State Licensing Authority remained in deep slumber. It is sought to be explained that concerned officer had taken over post in June, 2023. In our opinion, that is enough time for him to have acted. Predecessor is equally complicit

Kohli, J: Predecessor shall file affidavit explaining his inaction. The disdain shown by Divya Pharmacy to show cause notices is apparent from tone and tenor of their reply

Kohli, J: This is most unacceptable. State Licensing Authority has also filed a detailed affidavit trying to explain action taken regarding objectionable ads. We are appalled to note that except pushing file, nothing has been done

Kohli, J dictating order

Kohli, J: The proposed contemnors have filed fresh affidavit on April 6, tendering unconditional and unqualified apology for the lapses on their part. They have sought pardon for the breach of statements made by them

Kohli, J: Having regard to entire history, we have expressed our reservations about accepting the latest affidavit filed. We have also pointed out that even after show cause notices, the proposed contemnors attempted to wriggle out of physical appearance

Rohatgi: Earlier affidavits have been withdrawn. The new one is a fresh affidavit, in supersession

Kohli, J: Where you say 'alleged' contempt, that is withdrawn?

Rohatgi: Yes

SG Mehta: On lighter side, order may be black and white, not red

Amanullah, J: Are you trying to say our order should be tempered with mercy?

Kohli, J: We are not concerned only with alleged contemnors. All these companies showing consumers rosy picture...

SG Mehta: Affidavit is result of my advice. I just want to know what I missed

Bench: You did what you could

Rohatgi: I will issue a public apology

Kohli, J: One man seeks mercy, what about those countless innocent people who took the medicines? Now their backs are against the wall, so they say we are issuing warning