New Delhi: Yoga guru Baba Ramdev, co-founder of Patanjali Ayurveda, has faced a significant setback as the Delhi High Court issued a stern directive. The court has ordered him to remove statements from social media that falsely claim that Patanjali’s “Coronil” cures COVID-19. Additionally, the court has instructed Patanjali to withdraw any claims related to the effects of allopathic medicine.
Court’s Verdict
Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani, who had reserved judgment in May, delivered an interim order on Monday. The order applies to Baba Ramdev, his associate Acharya Balkrishna, and Patanjali. They are required to comply with the court’s directive and refrain from making further allegations.
Allegations by Medical Associations
The defamation suit against Patanjali and its promoters was filed by several doctors’ associations, including the Resident Doctors’ Association of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Rishikesh, Patna, and Bhubaneswar. These associations argued that Baba Ramdev’s misleading claims cast doubt on the benefits of modern medicine. The suit emphasized that Coronil, although approved as an immunity booster, cannot be touted as a cure for COVID-19. Such misinformation undermines public trust in allopathic treatments, which are recommended by the Government of India.
This ruling underscores the importance of responsible communication during a pandemic and upholds citizens’ right to health as enshrined in Article 21 of the Constitution.
